McDonnell blames 'gym culture' for rise in on-field violence

5 October 2018

Former Armagh footballer Steven McDonnell speaks to the media. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan.

Steven McDonnell believes the 'gym culture' that exists within the GAA is responsible for the recent surge in violence at club games.

Last night's ugly brawl in the Derry reserve football championship which involved players from Slaughtneil and Ballinderry was the latest outbreak of violence in Ulster, following on from the huge melee between Strabane and Stewartstown in the Tyrone IFC a few weeks ago and the Tyrone SFC clash between Moy and Edendork which resulted in Sean Cavanagh suffering concussion and a broken nose, and 27 cards being handed out.

Another “All in” melee last night during a match. The gym culture in the GAA has turned some amount of lads into hard men, most probably wouldn’t go for a 50/50 ball. This has to be sorted before someone gets killed with a punch. Wise up & take responsibility
— Steven McDonnell (@StevenMcD13) October 5, 2018