Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has called for the GAA's Ulster Council to repeal their ban against the flying of Palestinian flags in the associations' grounds.
With reports of one Tyrone fan being arrested in Páirc Tailteann this afternoon as Mickey Harte's men travelled to Navan to take on Meath, a petition has been issued in order to draw further attention to the issue.
The GAA's Ulster Council recently banned the flying of Palestine flags in grounds. Today a man was arrested at the Meath V Tyrone game for flying a Palestine flag. A disgraceful situation. The GAA should repeal this ban immediately. PLEASE SIGN & RT! https://t.co/fiLiTMQObA pic.twitter.com/qIQaczOdXl
— Belfast Sinn Féin (@belfastsinnfein) June 9, 2018
Footage taken during this evening match in Meath displayed one Tyrone fan conversing with attendant guards removing him from his position.
Shocking arrest of a man at Tyrone Meath game today for daring to fly a Palestinian Flag.
Please share this in protest at the arrest and to demonstrate solidarity with Palestine. 🇮🇪🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/V6lpbZt81d— Irish Unity 🇮🇪🇵🇸 (@IrishUnity) June 9, 2018
Repeatedly asking whether the guards in position thought that this was 'fair', the fan was shown being taken away in handcuffs from his standing position within the ground.
Documenting what they wished to change, Maskey highlighted the decision reached by the Ulster Council with relation to the flying of such flags at matches.
Reported in the Irish News, the GAA's Ulster Council confirmed their stance on the matter after "it was claimed an official ordered the removal of two flags from spectators at the Tyrone v Monaghan senior championship match" during their Ulster quarter-final clash.
During today's match in Meath, the Tyrone fan in question was not the only one carrying the Palestinian flag. As can be seen in footage of Cathal McShane's late Tyrone equaliser, some had taken up their place behind the goal.
Extra-Time in Navan! Cathal McShane with Tyrone's late equaliser! pic.twitter.com/TtVqgF5I2C
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 9, 2018
Yet another was in evidence on the pitch after the match came to its dramatic conclusion.
Maskey is not the only member of Sinn Féin bringing their side to attention this evening.
#MeathVsTyrone
...only saying...#FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/mokef0DGIK— Declan Kearney (@DeclanKearneySF) June 9, 2018
The use of a Palestine flag during GAA matches has caused consternation previously, yet, it remains to be seen whether today's scenes in Páirc Tailteann are cause for further revision.
