McKenna says GAA can learn from other sports on crowd control

CROKE PARK Stadium chief, Peter McKenna, admits that the GAA can learn from other sports in relation to crowd control.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou raised the matter of player security after the International Rules Series opener in Pearse Stadium ended with fans spilling on to the pitch, causing concern for at least one of the touring team.

Such pitch incursions are punishable by a $3,000 fine and a lifetime ban in Australia.

Said Mr McKenna: “Such an approach is not unique to the Australians — if anything, our attitude is unique to ourselves.

“In Europe and in the United States pitch incursions are considered to be serious public order offences.

“In soccer, for example, pitch incursions can result in fines, point deductions and, in some cases, the team being forced to play their home games at away venues. People coming on to the pitch is dangerous.

“Any crowd running uncontrollably can cause incidents. It is unsafe for players, for match officials and for the public themselves.”

And he feels that the answer is not necessarily an increase in stewarding

“People need to be more aware of it. What we need is the sensible people in crowd to show more restraint and to have the vast majority saying it is not acceptable. The best solution is for people in the crowds to police themselves,” Mr McKenna said.

He revealed that Sunday’s second and deciding test will be comparable to an All-Ireland final in terms of crowds — and also in terms of security.

“As Sunday’s game is a sell-out, the number of stewards and personnel will be similar to that required for an All-Ireland final,” he said.

“When you take everyone into account, including the gardaí, we will have between 650 and 700 on stewarding duty for the game.”