Peter McKenna gives his view on security

RING-FENCING

“Certainly an option but we are trying to avoid it. It becomes inevitable if dangerous situations do not cease, but it is the last option.”

PLAN B (the announcement that previously instructed match stewards to stand down)

“We have to have a contingency plan in place. The problem with ‘Plan B’ was it became a national lampoon. You could see people arriving up to the stadium with flags saying ‘Plan B’.

“The seriousness of our intent was not being transferred as it had become a source of hilarity so we changed it to ‘open pitch gates.’ It is an essential security measure.”

LEGISLATION TO MAKE PITCH INVASIONS ILLEGAL

“It exists for soccer matches and a (monetary) fine system is in place in the AFL. Again, we would hope to avoid this. To have to formalise it would be a sad day.

“This is not about spoiling people’s day out at Croke Park or any GAA venue around the country. It is not about ending a long standing tradition. But there is an extraordinary and inherent danger with pitch invasions.”

STEWARDS

“Their roles will be re-emphasised but they have all completed an extensive training course by Fetec, both professional security and voluntary stewards, which are graded and include exams.

“Confrontation between stewards and fans has no place in our games at all. These are isolated incidents. Our stewards are properly trained and we have some exceptional individuals in place to clam a potentially aggressive situation. Voluntary stewards also have a greater empathy for the crowd.”