Latest news with #MartinO'Neill
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
New white armbands to support young referees across grassroots football
Specsavers is proud to announce its partnership with the Scottish FA's #LetThemRef campaign, a bold nationwide initiative designed to protect young match officials and transform behaviour across grassroots football. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The new campaign will introduce a series of comprehensive measures to create a safe and more respectful environment for everyone involved in grassroots football, with a particular focus on referees under the age of 18. At the heart of the initiative are specially designed white armbands, sponsored by Specsavers, which will be worn by all youth referees to clearly identify them as officials still in training who require patience, support and encouragement. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad By making young officials easily identifiable to coaches, players and spectators, it is hoped that the U18 match official armbands will help foster an understanding that these dedicated individuals are both developing their skills whilst providing an invaluable service to their local football community. Specsavers believes this simple, yet effective approach from the Scottish FA will help fundamentally shift attitudes towards young match officials across the country. Specsavers' Martin O'Neill and young referee Jasiu Janowiec. Willie Collum, Scottish FA Head of Refereeing, says: 'Grassroots football is built on passion, development, and community – and that includes the young referees who help the game run smoothly across Scotland every day of the week. 'The armband is a simple but powerful reminder that our youngest officials deserve encouragement, not criticism, as they grow in confidence and ability, and we are pleased that Specsavers shares that vision, by ensuring every match official under the age of 18 can wear their armband with pride.' Beyond the armbands, the campaign will look to introduce a comprehensive framework of protective measures, designed to create a safer environment for young officials. Key changes include restricting referee communication to team captains only, establishing mandatory technical areas for team officials, requiring spectators to maintain a two-metre distance from the pitch, and appointing dedicated Referee Liaison Officers or wellbeing officers at matches to provide immediate support for young officials, as well as monitoring behaviour. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With the campaign set to kick off shortly to tie in with the start of the new football season, young officials across the country are expressing their optimism about the potential impact of these measures. Scottish FA Head of Refereeing Willie Collum, Specsavers' Martin O'Neill and young referee Jasiu Janowiec. One referee, Jasiu Janowiec, who currently officiates in the Lowland and East of Scotland Leagues, believes the campaign will have a positive impact for grassroots football in Scotland. The 18-year-old, from Falkirk, said: "I got into refereeing at 16 to earn money at weekends whilst being able to be involved in football. What started as a part-time job quickly became much more when I realised the incredible opportunities it offers. "Through refereeing, I've experienced higher levels of football than I ever would have as a player – travelling to different grounds, meeting great people, and building genuine friendships with other young officials in my area. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "The armbands are brilliant because they'll show parents and coaches that the person with the whistle could be the same age as their own child. You wouldn't shout at your child on the pitch, so why do it to a young referee? Unfortunately, fear of abuse puts many young people off refereeing, but this campaign demonstrates there's real commitment to protecting us. It creates a safe pathway for anyone aged 16 or over to get involved in something that offers fantastic progression opportunities and keeps you at the heart of the game you love." For Specsavers, supporting the #LetThemRef campaign represents a natural extension of the company's commitment to supporting Scottish football. By sponsoring the U18 Referee Armbands, Specsavers is investing in the future of the game whilst demonstrating that respect, protection and opportunity should be fundamental principles for all young people involved in football, whether as players or officials. Specsavers' Jenny Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: 'As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers is committed to supporting the U18 Armband initiative as part of our broader support for match officials at every level. 'At Specsavers, we recognise that referees are fundamental to football – without them, there simply is no game. So, by investing in the protection and development of young officials today, we're helping to secure the future pipeline of experienced referees that our sport depends upon. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'These young people deserve our respect and encouragement as they learn their craft, and we're honoured to help create an environment where they can thrive with confidence.' Specsavers announced in 2024 that it was renewing its' sponsorship deal, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, marking 24 years of support and beyond for the partnership – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport. The deal sees the partnership not only helping with the training and development of referees but also supporting the growth of Scottish football in both the men's and women's game.
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
New white armbands to support young referees across grassroots football
Specsavers is proud to announce its partnership with the Scottish FA's #LetThemRef campaign, a bold nationwide initiative designed to protect young match officials and transform behaviour across grassroots football. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The new campaign will introduce a series of comprehensive measures to create a safe and more respectful environment for everyone involved in grassroots football, with a particular focus on referees under the age of 18. At the heart of the initiative are specially designed white armbands, sponsored by Specsavers, which will be worn by all youth referees to clearly identify them as officials still in training who require patience, support and encouragement. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad By making young officials easily identifiable to coaches, players and spectators, it is hoped that the U18 match official armbands will help foster an understanding that these dedicated individuals are both developing their skills whilst providing an invaluable service to their local football community. Specsavers' Martin O'Neill and young referee Jasiu Janowiec. Specsavers believes this simple, yet effective approach from the Scottish FA will help fundamentally shift attitudes towards young match officials across the country. Willie Collum, Scottish FA Head of Refereeing, says: 'Grassroots football is built on passion, development, and community – and that includes the young referees who help the game run smoothly across Scotland every day of the week. 'The armband is a simple but powerful reminder that our youngest officials deserve encouragement, not criticism, as they grow in confidence and ability, and we are pleased that Specsavers shares that vision, by ensuring every match official under the age of 18 can wear their armband with pride.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Beyond the armbands, the campaign will look to introduce a comprehensive framework of protective measures, designed to create a safer environment for young officials. Key changes include restricting referee communication to team captains only, establishing mandatory technical areas for team officials, requiring spectators to maintain a two-metre distance from the pitch, and appointing dedicated Referee Liaison Officers or wellbeing officers at matches to provide immediate support for young officials, as well as monitoring behaviour. Scottish FA Head of Refereeing Willie Collum, Specsavers' Martin O'Neill and young referee Jasiu Janowiec. With the campaign set to kick off shortly to tie in with the start of the new football season, young officials across the country are expressing their optimism about the potential impact of these measures. One referee, Jasiu Janowiec, who currently officiates in the Lowland and East of Scotland Leagues, believes the campaign will have a positive impact for grassroots football in Scotland. The 18-year-old, from Falkirk, said: "I got into refereeing at 16 to earn money at weekends whilst being able to be involved in football. What started as a part-time job quickly became much more when I realised the incredible opportunities it offers. Through refereeing, I've experienced higher levels of football than I ever would have as a player – travelling to different grounds, meeting great people, and building genuine friendships with other young officials in my area. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "The armbands are brilliant because they'll show parents and coaches that the person with the whistle could be the same age as their own child. You wouldn't shout at your child on the pitch, so why do it to a young referee? Unfortunately, fear of abuse puts many young people off refereeing, but this campaign demonstrates there's real commitment to protecting us. It creates a safe pathway for anyone aged 16 or over to get involved in something that offers fantastic progression opportunities and keeps you at the heart of the game you love." For Specsavers, supporting the #LetThemRef campaign represents a natural extension of the company's commitment to supporting Scottish football. By sponsoring the U18 Referee Armbands, Specsavers is investing in the future of the game whilst demonstrating that respect, protection and opportunity should be fundamental principles for all young people involved in football, whether as players or officials. Specsavers' Jenny Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: "As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers is committed to supporting the U18 Armband initiative as part of our broader support for match officials at every level. "At Specsavers, we recognise that referees are fundamental to football – without them, there simply is no game. So, by investing in the protection and development of young officials today, we're helping to secure the future pipeline of experienced referees that our sport depends upon. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "These young people deserve our respect and encouragement as they learn their craft, and we're honoured to help create an environment where they can thrive with confidence." Specsavers announced in 2024 that it was renewing its' sponsorship deal, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, marking 24 years of support and beyond for the partnership – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport.
Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Martin O'Neill questions Russell Martin Rangers decision
Martin O'Neill believes Rangers manager Russell Martin may have acted prematurely by publicly berating his players following their stumble at Fir Park. Martin was visibly irate after witnessing the Gers drop points on the opening day at Motherwell, launching a scathing attack on the mentality of some of his key players. The Ibrox boss's remarkable outburst came just days after the Light Blues had endured a gruelling Champions League match in Athens. Martin's harsh verbal onslaught left fans and pundits alike stunned, with Chris Sutton confessing he was taken aback by the "machine gun" tirade. Celtic managerial legend O'Neill thinks Martin might have crossed a line by being so severe with his underperforming players in front of the camera, reports the Daily Record. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I started to think about myself about what I did in my earlier stages of management, and did I become critical of players early on in an attempt to ingratiate myself with fans?" "Do you give them some time? And that's a point you have to consider, or is that a point of saying, 'Listen, let's get this out in the open'. "I think, from a distance, I don't think I would have been that critical of a team that has just got through two difficult matches against Panathinaikos. "I really wouldn't have done that there. If you have plenty to say, say it to them in the dressing room. "If this is what you want to do, if you want to get something out in the open and you want to tell you want to bring people in, then if you're going to do it, you might as well do it early."
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Russell Martin scores instant Rangers OG as Martin O'Neill admits 'I really wouldn't have done that'
The Celtic legend reckons the newly-appointed Ibrox boss should've kept his brutal criticism in-house rather than going public Martin O'Neill reckons Rangers boss Russell Martin jumped the gun by publicly annihilating his players after their Fir Park slip-up. Martin was livid after watching Gers spill opening day points at Motherwell and launched a furious tirade at some of his stars' mentality. The Ibrox gaffer's astonishing blast came just days after the Light Blues came through an energy-sapping Champions League clash in Athens. Martin's brutal tongue-lashing stunned fans and pundits, with Record Sport's Chris Sutton admitting he was taken aback by the "machine gun" rant. And Celtic managerial great O'Neill believes Martin might've overstepped the mark by going so hard on his underperformers in front of the camera. He told talkSPORT: "I started to think about myself about what I did in my earlier stages of management, and did I become critical of players early on in an attempt to ingratiate myself with fans? "Do you give them some time? And that's a point you have to consider, or is that a point of saying, 'Listen, let's get this out in the open'. "I think, from a distance, I don't think I would have been that critical of a team that has just got through two difficult matches against Panathinaikos. "I really wouldn't have done that there. If you have plenty to say, say it to them in the dressing room. "If this is what you want to do, if you want to get something out in the open and you want to tell you want to bring people in, then if you're going to do it, you might as well do it early." You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp, where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
Irish Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Brother of Martin O'Neill and former Armagh manager Gerry O'Neill passes away
Former Armagh manager and the brother of Martin O'Neill, Gerry O'Neill, has passed away aged 88. Kilrea native Gerry guided Armagh to their second-ever All-Ireland final in 1977 and won two Ulster titles as well as a Division Two and Three title in his time at the helm. He is also the brother of former Ireland manager and two-time European Cup winner Martin O'Neill. Armagh GAA shared a tribute to Gerry after learning of his passing, saying he left a 'lasting legacy in the county'. "It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Gerry O'Neill (RIP), former Armagh Senior Football manager and a lifelong servant of the GAA," an Armagh GAA statement read. "Gerry made history in 1977 when he guided the Armagh Senior Football team to the All-Ireland Final — a moment that marked a turning point in Armagh's footballing journey and inspired a generation of players and supporters. "His leadership, vision, and unwavering belief in his team left a lasting legacy in the county. " Gerry was held in the highest regard across the GAA community, not only for his achievements on the sideline but also for his humility, wisdom, and love for the game." The 1977 Armagh team cruised to Ulster victory, picking up big wins against Cavan, Monaghan, and Derry en route to victory, and went on to win a dramatic replay against Roscommon in their All-Ireland semi-final to earn their spot in the final. They would ultimately lose out to a strong Dublin team that was led by player-captain-manager Tony Hanahoe as they won their second successive All-Ireland title.
