Ireland’s with the Whites

OWEN MULLIGAN has backed Kildare’s stance but still feels they will end up playing Mayo at Croke Park on Saturday.

The former Tyrone star says “the whole of Ireland is behind Kildare” as they take on the GAA who moved their round three qualifier tie from

Newbridge to Croke Park.

Ultimately, though, he believes that game will form a double-header alongside his native county’s joust with Cavan.

“Rules are rules, it’s well documented that the first team drawn gets a home tie unless they’re playing a Division Three or Four side,” he told Paddy Power News.

“Kildare have a massive chance against Mayo in Newbridge but I reckon they’d get hammered by them in Croke Park – the exact same way I think that Tyrone are a different animal in Croker.

“The whole Kildare set-up see they have a better chance at home of beating Mayo. I’m fully behind them and I think it’s great to see. I don’t think the four teams would fill Croke Park anyway.

“To go up against the GAA is a big ask but rules are rules and going by social media the whole of Ireland is behind Kildare.”

As for the impact the fallout will have on players as they prepare for the game, Mulligan added: “It’s very hard to get up for the game when you don’t know what’s going on – and it’s the same for Mayo.

“It’s a big stand Kildare are taking, I just hope they are ready for the backlash.

“If they’re thrown out of the Championship what’s going to happen then?

“It’s a tricky situation that just shouldn’t have happened. I think the game will go ahead in Croker, I expect the GAA to take a stand on it but rules are rules and I’d like to see the game in Newbridge.”