SEAN McVeigh feels the GAA disrespected London's footballers by not allowing the
Exiles to host their Connacht SFC semi-final replay against Leitrim in Ruislip last weekend.
Having withstood a fierce Leitrim comeback after being 15 points up at one stage in the first half, London will now face Mayo in the Connacht final.
The Exiles drew with Leitrim in Carrick-on-Shannon two weeks ago but were forced to travel to Roscommon's Dr Hyde Park last Sunday for the replay due to an agreement with the Connacht Council which states that London play their first Championship game at home but must travel for all other games in the Connacht Championship.
"Initially, I thought 'great, there is a game in Ruislip' and I really fancied London in Ruislip [in the replay], but that didn't work out," said McVeigh (pictured right playing for London).
"I think that is the disrespect that is being shown towards London. That ruling was there because Connacht GAA and the powers-that-be didn't think London would ever win a game."
The Antrim midfielder, who captained London in 2011 and 2012, insists he is not surprised by the progress the Exiles have made under the guidance of manager Paul Coggins.
"I thought, when I saw the draw all those months ago, that London had a great chance of getting to a Connacht final," said the Ballymena ace.
"Because of the way the footballers are set up, unfortunately, there is nearly a new squad every year. It takes the National League for that squad to gel.
"The main thing with Paul [Coggins] is that he would have confidence in that team.
"No matter what, London are always going to out and fight for the game."
However, McVeigh knows that the Exiles will be coming up against an in-form Mayo team in the final.
London took James Horan's side to extra-time in the Connacht Championship two years ago but McVeigh feels that Coggins's men face a vastly-improved team on Sunday, July 21.
He said: "They [Mayo] are a top-three team. The boys in London aren't stupid - they will know it is going to be a hard game.
"Two years ago we took Mayo to extra-time. I think it is a better team London team now, but so are Mayo.
"The boys will be going out to enjoy the occasion and they will give it a real good go."