GPA backs GAA on barrier decision

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) has given its full support to the decision taken by the GAA's Central Council last weekend to erect a 2.8 metre barrier at the Dineen Terrace (Hill 16) end of Croke Park, in a bid to end pitch invasions.

GPA spokesman Sean Potts says that it is imperative that player safety is taken into account by supporters, and that this is the correct move going forward.

"The GPA has been happy to support Croke Park's move to end pitch invasions from a number of points of view," he said.

"Obviously there is the health and safety issue which is obvious, and I think the GAA has made a very clear case as to the dangers inherent in pitch invasions.

"From a player welfare perspective, obviously we are concerned for players particularly as they are exhausted at the end of games of that statute - it is a risk for them.

"It would be nice from our perspective if players were given the chance to savour those moments at the end of a game.

"Players would admit that they would prefer if there weren't pitch invasions, but they are very conscious of the traditional values whereby they are very much a part of their own communities and their support base."

Potts says that the players have not been vocal on the subject, because it is a thorny issue and they do not want to disenfranchise supporters by their stance.

"They are very resonant to appear to distance themselves from that, and that's not what this is about," he explained.

"There has been some pretty harsh criticism directed towards the GAA - we believe unfairly in this regard.

"They are not trying to distance themselves from their community and their support base. This is about the safety of players - from our perspective it is about player welfare and last year we issued a statement and we did so on the basis of respect being given to the opposing team.

"Obviously for the winning team, it is great to be able to lift it in front of the mass hordes, but it is very difficult for the losing team to be there and be magnanimous in defeat, and be able to do so on the pitch - they are the warriors who have been to battle as it were."

Potts also feels that it is difficult for the winning team to get a chance to commiserate with the losing players, given the set-up that has prevailed since the foundation of the GAA 126 years ago.

"People are mentioning the fact that history is made when teams win All-Irelands and that it is a very important part of people's lives - it is, but that's not diminished in any way if people don't climb over the fences.

"There is obviously a huge outpouring of emotion, but I think if people want to respect their county in success, they can do so very well during a lap of honour, or by supporting their players by going to the homecoming.

"There is ample opportunity to meet those players. It's being perceived by some that this is another move away from grassroots and we don't see it in any way like that at all."

He added: "We support the GAA and we have spoken to players and they are in the majority opposed to pitch invasions.

"It's understandable that they are resonant to do so, because it is being construed, unfairly so, as that they are trying to distance themselves from their fan base."