While sporadic outbreaks of on-field fighting are not unknown in a number of team sports, there can only be deep concern that two well publicised incidents in recent days have seen violence spread over GAA boundary fences and into groups of spectators.
Physical confrontations between players and fans run the risk of very serious consequences, regardless of the location, and need to be firmly addressed by officials as a matter of urgency.
There will also be particular alarm that children have been in close proximity to some of the disturbances, with video evidence showing a boy of primary school age wandering beside one prolonged brawl.
The disciplinary measures which follow must reflect the gravity of the latest events and send out a strong message that what amounts to public disorder will not be tolerated at any sporting venue.
