20/08/2010 08:33 AM
The Gaelic Athletic Association has defended its decision to erect high security fencing in front of the famous Hill 16 stand at Dublin's Croke Park, reports the Belfast Telegraph.
The security fencing, which will be raised to a height of 2.8m, is designed to stop fans running onto the pitch during and after games.
A security review was carried out at the recently remodelled 82,300 capacity stadium following an attack by supporters on referee Martin Sludden after a recent Leinster Gaelic football final in which he had allowed a controversial goal.
GAA spokesman Alan Milton said the changes to the security fencing were "not a knee jerk reaction" and were part of an ongoing security review at the stadium.
He added: "Traditionally, the hill is the first area to invade the pitch. Once that breaks, the rest of the park goes."
Croke Park, which is the fourth largest stadium in Europe, attracted almost 2 million visitors in 2009 and holds the world record for the largest attendance for a club rugby match of 82,208 during the Heineken Cup.
The security fencing, which will be raised to a height of 2.8m, is designed to stop fans running onto the pitch during and after games.
A security review was carried out at the recently remodelled 82,300 capacity stadium following an attack by supporters on referee Martin Sludden after a recent Leinster Gaelic football final in which he had allowed a controversial goal.
GAA spokesman Alan Milton said the changes to the security fencing were "not a knee jerk reaction" and were part of an ongoing security review at the stadium.
He added: "Traditionally, the hill is the first area to invade the pitch. Once that breaks, the rest of the park goes."
Croke Park, which is the fourth largest stadium in Europe, attracted almost 2 million visitors in 2009 and holds the world record for the largest attendance for a club rugby match of 82,208 during the Heineken Cup.
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