Armagh booked their place in the Under 20 Ulster final with an extra-time win over bitter rivals Tyrone in the Athletic Grounds last night.
Armagh won on a scoreline of 2-22 to 0-24 but the game was somewhat overshadowed by ugly scenes as a mass brawl broke out between both sides following the final whistle.
The 20-plus man brawl involved players and backroom staff from both counties.
Belfast Telegraph’s GAA correspondent Declan Bogue, who attended the game, called the scenes “putrid”.
In a series of tweets, he said: “Ridiculous scenes in the Athletic Grounds tonight. There is a putrid attitude of young lads thinking it’s acceptable to thump the heads of each other. County boards should be given massive financial penalties until this shite is stamped out.”
He went on to tweet in response: “Expel both counties from the competition a much better punishment.”
Ridiculous scenes in the Athletic Grounds tonight. There is a putrid attitude of young lads thinking it's acceptable to thump the heads of each other. County boards should be given massive financial penalties until this shite is stamped out.
— Declan Bogue (@DeclanBogue) June 8, 2018
Irish News sports reporter Paddy Tierney said: “Just seen a video clip of the shameful scenes at the Athletic Grounds last night. Fines for Armagh and Tyrone will hardly cut it this time. If that happened on the street, fellas would be doing time ffs!”
Tyrone displaying their usual class after u20s defeat to Armagh #GAA pic.twitter.com/eYF0GkO7vV
— Paul! (@Paul_beIN) June 8, 2018
Both teams were level at 2-16 to 0-22 at full-time but late scores from Conor Maginness, Rian O’Neill and Kevin McAlinden gave the Orchardmen the win as they advanced to the final of the inaugural Ulster U20 championship.
Armagh will play the winner of the other semi-final between Derry and Down.
