On this afternoon's Saturday Panel, Ger was joined by Seamus 'Cheddar' Plunkett, Justin McNulty and Terry Hyland. Among the topics spoken about was the injuries sustained by Dublin's Davey Byrne in a challenge match against Armagh which caused him to be hospitalised.
Here is a flavour of some of the messages received today:
Sounds like an assault. Should have Garda involvement. That's nothing to do with a so-called man's game or contact sport.
----
There seems to be a sense this week that 'these things happen'. It's just not good enough. Michael, Waterford
----
Thug violence has no place in an amateur game , These lads have to get up for work. GAA omerta. Your interviewees avoid the question. Hugh, Cork
----
Very worried with hearing the carefree attitude to the assault, should be looking at 6 months suspensions, clear cut. Ref should be made answerable. Mark, Meath
----
It's not about this incident. Why are all the panel dancing around the broader topic?
----
The law says it's hard luck if you get injured in sport as you voluntarily assumed risk. However there have been a handful of cases before the Irish courts where one player has been found liable for the injuries of another where one player has obviously stepped so far outside the rules with serious aggression. So there can be repercussions whether or not the ref or the GAA wants it. But of course we have omertà about a lot of things in GAA. Dan, Wicklow
----
It was assault, it could be criminal charges. You shouldn't get away with putting someone in hospital. There is a video and it should be submitted. Saying that it's the way it is is not good enough.
----
I was at the game, I know and saw what happened and it's appalling that nobody is doing anything about it! If it was my son I tell you I wouldn't let it lie.
----
This sends out the complete wrong message: a player gets his nose broken and the players shake hands and that's it?? So if this happens in a kids game are they to do the same. Will adults expect the same from the kids?? Shocking behaviour by the GAA. The violence in GAA is disgusting.
----
I've seen under 10's who are coached to use the butt of the hurl! Lar, Kilkenny
----
I'm fed up with this 'ah sure these things happen' attitude in GAA. 'Manly' men ARE capable of self-control. Aggression & violence are NOT acceptable.
----
I played inter-county football to U21 level. This is why I gave it up. Players are expected to take punishment outside the rules.
----
I am truly amazed by the reaction of the GAA community to the Davy Byrne incident. It hasn't been dealt with, they've tried to sweep it under the carpet. If these things happen in rugby or American Football there are repercussions. Cheddar saying that no one wanted this to happen. The 2 fellas who started fighting before the ball was thrown in seemed to have wanted it to happen. It's baffling. Alan, Laois
----
The last 10 minutess is really making me think of not bringing my daughter to football tomorrow. Very Poor attitude to an assault. Keith Darcy
----
Aussie Rules has a law. Third man into a fight get automatic suspension. Bring into GAA then you only have 2 lads to deal with.
----
Get off the radio ye clowns, no idea what sport or even human nature is, aggression is natural to us, sport a fantastic outlet.
----
Well done! Help rid the GAA landscape of macho nonsense. No place for violence in GAA.
----
I lived in Sweden for years. The world's most calm and peaceful people. They beat the crap out of each other in ice hockey and don't get all bent up over it. It's part of the game. Accept it and get on with it and stop being all PC.
----
I am a mother and I decide when my kids are little, into which sports and clubs they are introduced. If I don't hear a firm "No violence" line from the GAA managers involved, I will be discouraging family and friends to choose Gaelic and hurling. Rows can happen in any sport but the leadership determines the tone and spirit in which the games are played at all levels. Why would I spend my family's hard earned cash to watch Dublin play when I think the managers are living in the past and giving poor example for the kids on our community? Áine
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
