The Gaelic Players Association would like to ask supporters once again to respect their players by not entering the Croke Park pitch after next Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling final.
The GPA has consistently supported the GAA’s campaign to end pitch invasions for the past 12 months as we believe they represent a danger to player safety along with the threat to the safety of supporters and stewards.
While we understand that this represents a break with tradition, the GPA is happy to support the initiative as it is not acceptable that players should have to endure verbal abuse or physical interference after an intense championship game.
We would also appeal to fans to consider losing players, particularly after this year’s All-Ireland finals. The physical and emotional drain on players is immense.
This is not a snub on patrons who support the games. Inter-county GAA players have enormous respect for their supporters as evidenced by their comments throughout the summer.
Neither do we believe that the contribution and importance of the supporter is diminished in any way by ending pitch invasions. The quality of the Croke Park stadium is a testament to the respect for the Gaelic games supporter.
Incidents of attacks on players may be isolated but they still cannot be tolerated. Only this year, Meath footballer Mark Ward was struck by a supporter following the conclusion of the Leinster football final.
Commenting on the incident Mark Ward said: “No player makes a big deal about these things and I would feel the same way. But what if I’d reacted? What if a player strikes a supporter, what will happen then? I can understand players not wanting to break with tradition and I’m no different, but after seeing, first hand, what can happen, I would be fearful that we will have a serious situation before long.”