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Armagh GAA fans subjected to sectarian abuse in Markethill

A man stamps on an Armagh flag in Markethill on Saturday
A man stamps on an Armagh flag in Markethill on Saturday A man stamps on an Armagh flag in Markethill on Saturday

Police say they are treating vile abuse aimed at Armagh GAA fans ahead of the Ulster Final last weekend as a "sectarian motivated hate crime".

Footage circulated on social media appears to show a group of Armagh supporters being abused outside a takeaway in the village of Markethill on Saturday.

In the short clip a man can be seen ripping an Armagh flag from a car before walking away.

Pursued by a woman he proceeds to stamp on the flag.

During the encounter a man can be heard saying “you came into a Protestant town”.

“It’s only dirt anyway,” he added.

A male voice can be heard saying "Fenian bitch” while later the words “go on you Fenian bast**d” were audible.

Details of a man alleged to have taken the flag were later shared on Facebook.

It is believed a group of Armagh supporters had stopped in the village the evening before the Ulster Final between the Orchard County and Derry in Clones.

During the incident a woman in the car said “I’ll never be in Markethill again”, while another passenger appeared to be in a distressed state.

A car with an Armagh flag parked in Markethill, Co Armagh
A car with an Armagh flag parked in Markethill, Co Armagh A car with an Armagh flag parked in Markethill, Co Armagh

Former Armagh All-Ireland winner and MLA for the area Justin McNulty said respect needs to be shown.

“It’s incumbent on everyone to show respect for each other’s culture and traditions whether it’s a group of Armagh GAA fans travelling from a match or if it’s band members attending a parade,” he said.

“The GAA is of no threat to anyone, it does great work bringing people and communities together.

“I know that those involved in this incident do not reflect the views of the people of Markethill.”

A spokesman for the PSNI said: "Police are investigating a report of a number of offences including theft and vehicle interference which occurred at the Main Street area of Markethill on Satuday May 13.

"Enquiries are continuing and the incident is being treated as a sectarian motivated hate crime."