Martin Sludden, the referee escorted off the pitch at Croke Park on Sunday, needed Gardai to come to his defence once before.
Mr Sludden, also known as “Sludds”, was escorted off the pitch and away from angry fans and players in November 2007 after an Ulster club final between Clontibret and Crossmaglen in which he red-carded three players.
Mr Sludden was later found to have acted wholly appropriate in overseeing the game.
There is outrage at the conduct of fans today after Mr Sludden’s controversial extra-time decision to award a Meath goal against fierce rivals, Louth, which appeared to be thrown over the line.
He was eventually escorted to the dressing room by Gardai following the Croke Park chaos which saw angry fans confront the ref.
Security at GAA matches, crowd control at Croke Park and the issue of whether or not the match should be re-played are now dominating the fallout.
