Police probe GAA final pitch invasion

POLICE are reviewing “all available evidence to determine any potential breach” of coronavirus regulations at a GAA match.

First Minister Arlene Foster said yesterday she was “deeply concerned” after footage showed fans invading the pitch following Dungannon Thomas Clarke’s victory in the Tyrone Senior Football Championship final on Sunday.

Chief Supt Ryan Henderson said: “We are aware of an incident at a GAA match i n Omagh ye st e rd ay a n d wi l l b e re v i e wi n g a l l av a i l a b l e evidence to determine any potential breach of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions.”

Mrs Foster tweeted while the win was a “significant milestone” for the Dungannon side, “Covid-19 is no respecter of victories”.

She also called on Ulster GAA to address the issue, saying “sport and health will be the losers”.

Dungannon Clarke’s scooped their first O’neill Cup victory in 64 years after the game against Trillick St Macartan’s went to penalties. An Ulster GAA spokesman said: “Ulster GAA fully realises that this was a moment of great joy for the Dungannon Clarkes Club.

“But we are living in a pandemic and the post-match scenes did not portray the Association in a positive light.”

“No spectators should enter the field of playing following games.

“The GAA has put in place protocols and, for the greater part, they have been universally observed.

“However, the on-pitch celebration scenes following t h e Ty r o n e County Final in Omagh not only breached GAA protocols but, and much more significantly, public health guidelines.

Meanwhile Communities Mini st er Caral Ní Chuilin has announced a £1million fund to help with the safe return to sport. She said: “I am delighted to announce the fund as together we take tentative steps to return to sport in a safe and measured way.

“We all have a role to play in controlling the spread of Covid-19 and the provision of this necessary PPE equipment to sports clubs and sporting organisations will help.”

We will review all evidence for potential breaches CHIEF SUPT RYAN HENDERSON YESTERDAY