Semple Stadium’s management committee has once again outlined that no spectators will be allowed on the Thurles venue’s pitch on match days. 

The committee issued a statement yesterday supported by Tipperary GAA to discourage fans from entering the pitch at half-time or after the game “in the interest of public safety” and for “the protection of the pitch”.

Semple Stadium plays host to the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 and 2A finals this Saturday and is also set to hold three Munster SHC ties between April and May.

“The policy of Semple Stadium Management, supported by Tipperary County Board, is to discourage encroachment by patrons onto the pitch at any time on match days.

The statement in full reads:

"The reasons for this policy are twofold; the first and most important is in the interest of public safety, and the second is the protection of the pitch.

"The greatest risks to patrons at a game occur when they leave the safety of their spectator area and enter the pitch, which is reserved for the players and match officials only. Typical accidents/incidents that occur include, slips, trips and falls when rushing onto the pitch, pitch invasion while the game is still in progress, crushing around teams or around the presentation area, lost children, theft, and potentially the most dangerous of all, uncontrolled pucking sliotars around in the thick of a crowd on the pitch after a game.

"All of these incidents have occurred at Semple Stadium; some have resulted in injury and loss to individuals and some have resulted in financial loss. That is why, in the interests of our patrons' safety, we restrict their access to the viewing areas.

Patron Safety and Pitch Protection at Semple Stadium - https://t.co/ifr7RLRfAk pic.twitter.com/PGLun2Puoo

— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) March 30, 2022

"Semple Stadium is one of the busiest, if not the busiest Gaelic Games venue in Ireland, accommodating games in all codes at all levels from schools to adult. It is one of the best playing surfaces in the country, made possible by a planned pitch maintenance programme, designed and implemented by professional staff.

"The pitch is heavily used and must be protected, and this involves limiting footfall on the surface as much as possible between games. This also includes restrictions on training, warm-ups, and half-time puck-arounds on the pitch, despite numerous requests from clubs and inter county teams.

"Our safety and pitch management programmes must be consistent, and to have any credibility, must be implemented on big match days and small. In summary they are designed to provide a safe, risk-free venue for our patrons and to maintain the reputation or our pitch as the sod that all players want to play on."

Tweet

Most Read Stories