Late Again - Guess Who?
Talking Balls
Sunday’s game between Dublin and Westmeath was delayed by fifteen minutes. Surprise, surprise. What is it about Dublin supporters that they can’t make their way to the game on time? Just as well the Dubs don’t have to travel outside the city too often come championship time. And the cause of the latest delay? According to Croke Park:
“The GAA wish to point out that the decision to delay the throw-in time to the game between Dublin and Westmeath at Croke Park yesterday was taken in consultation with An Garda Síochána due to health and safety concerns, as only a fraction of the anticipated attendance were in the stadium twenty minutes before the scheduled throw-in time of 2pm.”
“In such circumstances, the GAA, while reluctant to delay starting times, recognise that the health and safety of patrons attending its games is of paramount importance and the decision to delay the throw in time was taken on this basis.”
Meanwhile Croke Park stadium director Peter McKenna has said fans turning up late show disrespect to both counties competing.
“Both teams have their schedule for the day planned out to the last minute. Then shortly before throw-in, they are told that there is a 15-minute delay. It is both disrespectful and disruptive.” He did rule out locking the gates to teach latecomers a lesson or asking pubs to close.
Meanwhile, Dublin chairman Gerry Harrington said he would like to see games at Croke Park begin on time regardless of the number of supporters in the venue prior to throw-in. “My fear now is that, after yesterday, fans will be tempted to say in future ’ah, they’ll put it off by 15 minutes anyway’ If you start the game in time, it might send out a message. I don’t like games being delayed but I accept it is a hard one to call.”
Only in the GAA.