Backing for Friday lights

GPA chiefs have backed proposals to play championship games on a Friday night but admit “there are a number of issues to be resolved”.

Croke Park bosses revealed this week that scheduling of All-Ireland qualifiers outside the traditional Saturday or Sunday slot will be considered but only if there is agreement between competing sides.

The Leinster Council have backed the idea but the Players’s Association wants the matter to be discussed further.

GPA spokesman Sean Potts said yesterday: “The idea of a Friday night game is very attractive — under lights, a local derby, it’s something we support. But there are consequences involved in that. You don’t just knock off [from work] at four o’clock and rush off down for a warm-up. The preparation involved for any championship game is professional.

“The GPA isn’t against it in principle — and in fact believe it’s a great idea and the attraction is obvious.

“However, there are a number of issues to be resolved. Particularly if self-employed players have to take time off work for a game, then the issue of compensation arises.”