Ulster GAA say Belfast venue doesn't meet health and safety' requirements for Ulster SFC clash
Ulster GAA say Corrigan Park in Belfast will not host Antrim's Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final clash with Armagh as the ground 'does not meet health and safety standards for the game'.
Saffron stalwart Paddy McBride was the latest player to speak out on the matter this week, saying the team 'will not play' their Ulster SFC tie against All-Ireland champions Armagh if they are not granted home advantage.
The provincial draw was made way back in early October and Antrim were drawn out first against Kieran McGeeney's Sam Maguire Cup winners.
While that usually leads to home advantage, the problem is the GAA's guarantee of Championship seats for any season ticket holders. The number of season ticket holders in Armagh is believed to exceed the capacity of Corrigan Park, before any home fans are even factored in.
Now Ulster GAA have spoken out to clarify the matter.
"Home venues for senior inter-county championship games are subject to the approval of the relevant CCC, and they must be in compliance with health and safety standards," a statement read.
"Corrigan Park has a certified capacity of 4,000. The minimum number of tickets required to accommodate this fixture (including players charter, match officials, multi-sponsors, media, season tickets etc) will exceed the venue capacity.
"Therefore Corrigan Park does not meet the required health and safety standard to accommodate this fixture.
"Ulster GAA met with Antrim GAA officials last month to review the situation in detail, and those discussions are ongoing."
It seems likely that Ulster GAA will now move the game to either Pairc Esler in Newry or Derry's Celtic Park, with Antrim's traditional home in Casement Park still derelict.
READ MORE: Antrim GAA star vows to boycott Championship game
Earlier this week, Antrim star McBride told BBC: "It sounds so simple - you have a home match you play at home. We spoke as players already.
"We said we sacrifice too much to lie down. If it's not going to be where it's meant to be, then we'll not play it.
"It's one we all agreed with. It wasn't deliberated on, it wasn't debated, we just said this is what we're standing for and we're sticking with it."
Saffrons manager Andy McEntee has backed his players and rubbished the season ticket argument.
"It's irrelevant how many season tickets were sold to the opposition," said McEntee. "That's not our issue."
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