GAA delegates back anti-racism proposals
Up to 90% of voting GAA Delegates to today's Annual GAA Congress in Derry have backed proposals to stamp out sectarian and racist abuse in the association.
Delegates from Fermanagh and Europe spoke passionately in favour of the motion, citing abuse suffered by Crossmaglen Rangers player Aaron Cunningham; Cork's Donal Óg Cusack and the Ó hAilpín brothers along with Dublin's Jason Sherlock in the past.
The GAA has now sent out a strong message that abuse of all forms will not be tolerated by the Association and its members.
The rule now states, 'The Association is Anti-Sectarian and Anti-Racist and committed to the principles of inclusion and diversity at all levels.
'Any conduct by deed, word, or gesture of sectarian or racist nature or which is contrary to the principles of inclusion and diversity against a player, official, spectator or anyone else, in the course of activities organised by the Association, shall be deemed to have discredited the Association.'
Penalties for such abuse are to be prescribed under Rule 7.2 (e) of the GAA's Official Guide which allows for penalties of a minimum of 8 weeks suspension, while debarment and Expulsion from the Association may also be considered.
