Legendary Irish defender Paul McGrath has criticised the GAA for their role in refusing permission for the Liam Miller tribute match to be played at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Páirc Uí Chaoimh, which holds 45,000, was seen as the ideal venue for the game — which will take the form of an Ireland/Celtic XI vs a Manchester United XI.
However, according to GAA Rule 42, there can be no playing of non-GAA sports in GAA stadiums. The Cork County Board has stated that they are adhering to the rules.
Instead, the game will be played in Turner's Cross, which has a significantly smaller capacity of 7,000. This is significant, as the match is serving as a fundraiser for Miller's family.
The decision has been met with major backlash on social media.
McGrath took to Instagram to say: "Isn't it sad that the GAA didn't allow the family of a Cork son Liam Miller hold his memorial match at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Liam gave 110% to his country from under age all the way up senior level. #disappointing."
It was a sentiment that was reflected by many. Former Ireland midfielder Andy Reid also weighed in on the issue, calling it "scandalous."
"Scandalous the Gaa wouldn’t allow the use of Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the Liam miller memorial match, Liam represented ireland from u15 all the way up to senior level and gave everything, shocking!!! No problem having Garth brooks or Neil diamond play Croker tho."
https://twitter.com/AndyReidXI/status/1019951747631022080
Labour leader Brendan Howlin has echoed the sentiments:
https://twitter.com/BrendanHowlin/status/1019934111325196288
Miller passed away from cancer earlier this year at the age of 36.
