Former Tyrone Enda McGinley believes that the growing violence coming to GAA pitches constitutes 'hooliganism', and if nothing changes then something dark will occur.
McGinley spoke to Off The Ball this evening, and warned of the need to balance the passion that keeps the club game alive with the violence that has spilled onto the pitches in games between Downpatrick and Ballyholland.
"We are all so proud of our club game, but if there is a problem in it then there is no point ignoring it. We have to address it and try to see if we can get that balance between our manly, spirited, pride-in-the-jersey club football which we all love, and this hooliganism."
McGinley also spoke about the experience of Sean Cox, the Irish Liverpool fan who was attacked outside Anfield in April, prior to a Champions League semi final with Roma.
"We saw what happened to the likes of Sean Cox, the Liverpool fan and we all know how we reacted when we heard that story: 'That's thugs - that's just hooliganism.'
"That is what is happening on the pitches whenever these rows break out. Yes, it is only a tiny minority of games that go to this level, but people need to catch themselves on and respect the club game that we are so proud of and pull back from the brink, before something happens."
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