Next month’s Ulster SFC quarter-final between Antrim and Armagh is in jeopardy after the Saffrons insisted that they will not concede home advantage.
It comes after Ulster's CCC released a statement yesterday confirming that due to Corrigan Park’s limited capacity, the game has been switched to Páirc Esler in Newry. Antrim were due to have home advantage after being drawn out of the hat first and had threatened to boycott the game if it was moved from Corrigan Park.
But Ulster GAA has ruled that it will go-ahead at Páirc Esler where All-Ireland champions Armagh’s 4,000-plus season ticket holders can be comfortably accommodated.
"In reaching this decision, the committee sympathised with Antrim GAA's situation, which reiterates the need for Casement Park to be redeveloped as a matter of urgency,” the statement read.
"The complete 2025 Ulster Senior Football Championship programme, including throw-in times and television schedules, will be finalised in the near future."
However, Antrim are still insisting that they are entitled to home advantage.
"We have worked too hard to earn this game at Corrigan Park and that is where we will be," the Antrim panel said in a statement released through the Gaelic Players Association (GPA).
"We will not concede our home advantage as it is our right as players and as a county. Corrigan Park is our home and we expect to play there as originally scheduled."
The GPA, meanwhile, said it "stands fully behind" the stance of Andy McEntee's men.
"We acknowledge Corrigan Park will not accommodate all Antrim and Armagh supporters, but the integrity of the competition and the fundamental principle of home advantage take precedence," the players' body said.
"Financial and logistical concerns should not be prioritised over sporting fairness. We urge Ulster GAA to immediately reconsider their decision."
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