Football

Flag-bearer blames Armagh captain

ARMAGH captain Ciaran McKeever (right) has been blamed for raising tensions ahead of last Sunday's Athletic Grounds brawl by a St Michael's Scout Band member. Members of both teams became embroiled in the brawl following disagreements over where each should stand during the traditional pre-match parade.

During Championship parades, the home team generally stands closest to the stands.

However, when the Cavan flag was raised in this position, the Breffni county's players immediately stood behind it.

With recriminations still flying, Paula Brady, a native of Ballyconnell (Cavan), who was holding the Cavan flag at the time, told the Anglo

Celt newspaper that things quickly escalated. "The Armagh captain came up and said 'Move'," she said. "I said 'pardon?' and he said 'Move to f**k to the other side'. "If he had asked me politely, I'd have said 'certainly, no problem'. "The Cavan team were supposed to be behind the Cavan flag and they came to where they were supposed to be. "I think he (McKeever) should be spoken to. "We have a great affiliation to the Armagh team, they share picnics with us at matches in Clones and it is a lovely rapport. "That was spoiled on Sunday."