Four released over referee assault

Four men who were being questioned in relation to an an assault on a referee at a soccer match in Horseleap earlier this month, have been released without charge.

The four, a man in his 40s, two men in their 20s and a teenager, were held for questioning at three garda stations in Westmeath and Offaly.

All four were detained on Tuesday morning and were taken to Mullingar, Tullamore and Birr Garda Stations.

They were questioned in relation to an alleged assault on Daniel Sweeney who had been taking charge of a CCFL game between Horeseleap United and Mullingar Town on Sunday, November 11.

Mr Sweeney suffered severe injuries in the course of the assault, including a fractured jaw and other facial injuries.

According to a garda source, all four were released without charge and files will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

In the wake of the incident, the Combined Counties Football League have suspended three Mullingar Town players from all football activity, under the jurisdiction of the FAI, for 40 years while a spectator, also believed to have been supporting Mullingar Town (and who had been previously received a lifetime ban from playing football) has had that ban extended to include all football activity.