TIPPERARY officials are investigating an assault against former All-Ireland senior hurling final referee Séamus Roche last Sunday. It has emerged Roche was struck after the county senior hurling semi-final between Toomevara and Thurles Sarsfields at Semple Stadium.

It is understood Roche has mentioned the incident in his match report, which was submitted to the Tipperary County Board CCC yesterday.

There were stormy scenes after the Thurles showdown, which Sars won with a dramatic injury-time goal from county star Pa Bourke.

Roche awarded a free in stoppage time and there were over two and a half extra minutes played when Bourke found the net from the 20-metre free. Less than a minute later, 2005 All-Ireland final referee Roche blew the final whistle and there were ugly scenes as a Sarsfields supporter was floored after a number of people came on to the pitch.

Sources have indicated Roche was struck from behind as he attempted to restore some order and it was also noticeable there was a distinct lack of a Garda presence at Semple Stadium. It is expected the perpetrators will be summoned before county board disciplinary chiefs to explain their actions following the chaotic post-match scenes.