
Barry Tiernan was knocked over after a match in Tullamore last month.
Referees are becoming increasingly frustrated with a lack of support from the "Higher Authorities."
Laois Referee Maurice Deegan says it's going to be very difficult to recruit referrees, without a system in place which would make them feel safe while doing their job.
Deegan's comments come after a spate of violent incidents at GAA games, including in Tullamore when the Offaly champions exited the provincial championship in controversial fashion last month.
Maurice Deegan says it's not a problem at every level: