Crossword Genius

Flags unsporting behaviour by one of those responsible for Limerick (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

linesman

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'limerick' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'flags unsporting behaviour by one of those' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'one' could be 'li' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'li' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'responsible for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for linesman that I've seen before include "Court official" , "Male official with a flag" , "Referee's assistant" , "Touch judge" , "sports official" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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