The GAA has condemned "in the strongest terms possible" an incident that marred an underage game in Co Tyrone last night and left two people injured. In a statement to Northern Sound, the organisation said it has a duty of care to protect volunteer officials, and the events that unfolded in Cookstown were "totally unacceptable".
The GAA said it will work with the PSNI and its units, at both county and club level, to establish the facts around what happened. It extended its best wishes to those who were injured in the incident and highlighted how all supports required for the organisation's underage players and members will be provided.
Meanwhile, A man in his 40s is being questioned by the PSNI after the two people were stabbed during an U16 clash between Cookstown Fr Rocks and Fintona Pearses. The man went onto the football pitch towards the end of the game and attacked those who were injured.
One person was stabbed in the leg and taken to hospital, while another was treated at the scene. Speaking on this morning's Joe Finnegan Show, Alan Rogers of the Ulster Herald, revealed that many children were among the crowd of spectators.
He pointed out that as a result of what happened they are now receiving support from the local GAA sides. Alan added that incidents of violence towards GAA officials is happening all too often.
"What is particularly serious is the impact that this would have not only on the person who was stabbed but on dozens of children and young people who were watching the match. For them, this was a very harrowing incident.
"We have seen incidents of physical violence towards officials at GAA matches all too regularly over this past few years," he said.
