LATEST: GAA issue statement after First Minister Arlene Foster voices ‘serious concern’ at scenes of jubilation and crowds at GAA game flouting COVID-19 restrictions

The scenes came after Dungannon Thomas Clarkes clinched their first Tyrone Football title in 64 years as they defeated holders Trillick 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout in Omagh.

First Minister Arlene Foster this morning told of her concern at the scenes.

She Tweeted: “Deeply concerned about the images from yesterday’s GAA match.

“Significant milestone for Dgn but Covid-19 is no respecter of victories.

“Other events being responsible. Sport & health will be the losers.

@UlsterGAA need to address this. Serious questions arising from videos”.

Another Tweet in response to Mrs Foster said: “Why was the match not played behind closed doors like so many other sports events this weekend? Football, le mans, bikes etc. Why does gaa think they are exempt??”

Another Tweet from Lord John Kilclooney said: “With the obvious breach of rules at the Storey funeral and now a GAA game the Nationalist Community is sending a bad message to their Unionist neighbours. Time that Nationalist Leaders made it clear that most nationalists support the advice to control the pandemic!”

Footage of euphoria after the GAA win came as Health Minister Robin Swann said the rising number of Covid-19 cases in Northern Ireland is “deeply concerning”.

At the weekend, 398 new positive cases were recorded, with almost 1,000 in the past seven days.

In a social media post, Mr Swann said “important decisions to be taken in the days and weeks ahead”.

He added that “everyone must play their part by following public health advice”.

The minister’s comments comes as Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned the UK was facing a “tipping point”.

“If everybody follows the rules then we can avoid further national lockdown,” Mr Hancock added.

In a statement TUV leader Jim Allister said: “The pitch invasion following Sunday’s GAA match and the total disregard for public health advice displayed by the fans of Dungannon Thomas Clarke should concern us all – particularly given that it was broadcast on the BBC and therefore reached a province wide audience.

“What were the stewarding arrangements for the game and why did they so spectacularly fail? In light of the reduction in numbers permitted to attend sporting events it is inexcusable that this took place.

“Were police present in the ground to ensure that limits on attendance were adhered to and order maintained?

“It should have been clear before the game that both at the ground and in the towns of the two clubs playing – Trillick and Dungannon – there was the potential for large numbers to congregate and for the restrictions which have been put in place to combat the pandemic to be flouted.

“That clearly happened in the streets of Dungannon and I understand that Trillick was exceptionally busy on Sunday night as well.

“A few weeks ago the PSNI Chief Constable toured public houses in Belfast with the chief medical officer. Were his officers doing the same in the pubs of Dungannon and Trillick last night?

“I have written to the Chief Constable raising this issue.”

ULSTER GAA STATEMENT ON POST MATCH SPECTATOR BEHAVIOUR

In light of post-match scenes following yesterday’s Tyrone Senior Football Championship Final, the Ulster GAA have issued a statement.

It said it was strongly re-iterating the GAA’s message that no spectators should enter the field of playing following games.

The statement reads: “The GAA has put in place protocols surrounding all aspects of the playing of games and, for the greater part, they have

been universally observed.

“Over the weekend there were adult County Finals in six of our nine counties and evidence from

across the province is that these protocols were adhered to, with spectators remaining in the stand during post-match

presentations.

“However, the on-pitch celebration scenes following the Tyrone County Final in Omagh not only breached GAA protocols

but, and much more significantly, public health guidelines. Ulster GAA fully realises that this was a moment of great joy for

the Dungannon Clarkes Club in winning their first County title since 1956 and congratulations to them on this success. The

dramatic nature of the conclusion of the game probably added to the exuberance but we are living in a pandemic and the

post-match scenes did not portray the Association in a positive light.

“The GAA has led the way in its response to this pandemic at community level and has safely returned players and

spectators to our games in a safe and responsible way. Ulster GAA has worked closely with our Counties co-operating with

Governments and public health agencies adhering to the restrictions and conveying wider public health messages to our

members.

“The GAA has acted in a positive manner since the outbreak of the pandemic, with attendances at games strictly regulated.

Our supporters have responded positively and responsibly but last night’s scenes undoubtedly placed GAA members and

their local community at greater risk to Covid 19.

“It also potentially undermines the GAA case, and indeed the case for wider

sport, to be permitted to have increased numbers attend our games.

“With more County Finals due in the coming weeks, Ulster GAA is again appealing to all our units to behave responsibly.

“The scenes of last night cannot be repeated or we will risk going back to a position where all games will be played behind

closed doors”.

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