Openly gay Irish GAA referee banned from wearing rainbow wristband

An Irish referee was banned from wearing a wristband supporting equal marriage.

David Gough, Ireland’s first openly GAA referee, was initially permitted to wear the rainbow wristband during the game between Tyrone and Dublin last night (March 7).

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However, the Irish Independent reports that the decision was revoked by the Gaelic Athletic Association, due to it being considered a “political symbol”.

Head of media relations Alan Milton told the newspaper: “It’s a black and white issue. The association is apolitical. Any member is allowed to have their own political views or opinions outside but Croke Park is not the place to make political gestures.

“We have been very consistent on this issue. The GAA is apolitical and does not allow political gestures at our games. Once the referendum was called and the people are asked to vote then it becomes political.”

Speaking of his disappointment, Gough said that the “simple gesture” had been “over-analysed and over-politicised”.

“I had received permission at noon on Friday but then received a number of calls on Friday night and another at 7.30am yesterday when they told me they would not allow it,” he said. “I was told flatly that I could not do it. I am disappointed, dismayed and feel I, and all gay members of the association, have been let down.

“At one stage they had offered a compromise where I could wear the wristband under the stands at Croke Park, on the fringes of the pitch or in the dressing rooms but would have to take it off when I crossed the white line onto the pitch for the match. I would not have done that. It would have made it look as if I had something to hide.”

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