GAA officials to probe violent brawl at club match

GAA officials to probe violent brawl at club match

10 October 2018

DOWN GAA is expected to hold an investigation into a mass brawl which broke out at a local Gaelic football match at the weekend.

Fighting erupted at a match between Downpatrick Russell Gaelic Union and Ballyholland Harps in Kilcoo on Sunday afternoon.

Players and spectators from both clubs were involved in ugly scenes following an altercation off the pitch.

Video footage showed players from both sides running from the pitch and leaping over a perimeter fence to join in a mass fight that lasted for several minutes.

The replayed All County Football League Division 1 fixture was being played at a neutral venue after the original game was abandoned following an injury to a player.

Both clubs have declined to issue a statement in the aftermath. However, a spokesman for Ballyholland Harps said that officials from both clubs were planning to organise a charity fundraising event “in an effort to put any differences between us to bed”.

Down GAA also declined to make a statement, but it is understood that it will be carrying out an investigation and that any disciplinary action will only be taken after consideration of the referee’s report.