“This is [partitionist] provocation in the extreme…”

The sensitive souls at the Armagh GAA County Board have, apparently, issued a statement of complaint in the aftermath of Sunday’s defeat to Laois – when their captain was sent-off for allegedly kicking a Laois player during the half-time interval.  The RTÉ report notes

A statement from the Armagh County Board has claimed that its players were subjected to “racist and personal abuse” during the Allianz NFL game with Laois on Sunday last.

The board are angry that the “partitionist provocation” as they define it, has gone unpunished by the GAA and is contrary to the rules of the Association.

And The Score has more from the Armagh County Board’s statement, and a suggestion of what the offensive language actually was

Armagh’s statement opened by expressing concern, “at the alleged racist and personal abuse, directed at our players, apparently going unpunished. Racist abuse is in direct contravention of Rule 1.12 : The Association is Anti-Sectarian and Anti-Racist.”

The statement continues with a hint at what may have been said to McKeever and what many GAA players from Northern Ireland – including Armagh’s All-Ireland winning manager, Joe Kiernan – have complained of in the past.

“The chanting of “God Save the Queen” and malign taunting of “British Bastard” has no place either on or off the field of play.”

“This is provocation in the extreme and at variance with Rule 1.2 : The Association is a National Organisation which has as its basic aim the strengthening of the National Identity in a 32 County Ireland through the preservation and promotion of Gaelic Games and pastimes.  [This partitionist mindset is contrary to the preamble in the Treori (Rules)].” [Added text from reported statement]

Don’t worry, lads, Sinn Féin have a cunning plan for “rubbing out the border”…  [Is there a turnip involved? – Ed]  Possibly…

Adds  From the Irish Times today [22 March]

…after a meeting brokered by the GAA with their counterparts in Laois earlier today, the Armagh board conceded in a joint statement that that those “allegations do not accurately reflect what occurred in O’Moore Park”.

The statement from both county boards read: “A meeting of representatives of Armagh and Laois County Boards took place today to discuss last Sunday’s Allianz League Football game in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise.

“It was agreed that allegations made by Armagh County Board in their statement do not accurately reflect what occurred in O’Moore Park. It is acknowledged by both Boards that inappropriate verbal exchanges took place between players during the game and this will be addressed with our respective panels.

“Both Laois and Armagh are committed to the playing of our games in the best possible spirit and look forward to the continuation of a keen, sporting rivalry.”

So that’s all right then…

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