Work has been halted on the development of a GAA pitch in east Belfast after online criticism by loyalists.
Land at Victoria Park has been earmarked by Belfast City Council for use by East Belfast GAA.
Formed in 2020, the fledgling club has attracted cross community support in the east of the city.
It currently has no permanent base and the Victoria Park site, which is owned by the council, had been identified for development as a GAA facility.
It is understood the site could also be used by other Gaelic clubs.
Although no posts had been put in place work had already started on pitch markings when the halt order from council officials came earlier this week.
It is understood a flurry of activity on social media by loyalists contributed to the decision by council officials to stop the work.
While the club declined to comment last night it is members are expected to discuss the development at the weekend.
SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite was scathing of those opposed to the location of a GAA pitch in the area.
"I don't think anybody should be intimidated from playing sports because of a small number of backwoods men and troglodytes think kids running around with hurls are a threat to them," he said.
He added that the east of the city serves as an example.
"East Belfast is a very diverse place and the sporting codes all work together and it's demonstrating how positive that can be for east Belfast and that should be the example for the rest of the city and north," he said.
Alliance MLA Peter McReynolds said "East Belfast GAA are positive influence who have increased the diversity of the area".
"Victoria Park was highlighted as it is currently not used by any clubs, would only require a small amount of work to be usable by the club and is already the location for a number of cross-community events," he said.
A spokesman for Belfast City Council last night said it is "working to identify a suitable location for East Belfast GAA but no final decision has been taken".
"Work will continue with both East Belfast GAA and local councillors to progress this.
“Some initial preparatory work which had started at Victoria Park has now been halted pending further engagement.”
Meanwhile, loyalist campaigner Jamie Bryson provoked a Twitter backlash after he criticised the GAA and the Victoria Park plan.
"Significant rumours that Victoria Park in East Belfast is to used to have a GAA pitch to be imposed upon the community," he wrote.
"This is an outrageous proposal and entirely unwelcome.
"The vast majority of the local community do not want the toxic GAA imposed within unionist areas."
Sources say Mr Bryson's online intervention came after the decision had already been taken to stop work, which he later welcomed.
Alliance Party MP Stephen Farry later responded to Mr Bryson on Twitter.
He wrote: "If someone want to speak on behalf of a community, then get a democratic mandate.
"Local government election next year.
"Of course, elections can also burst someone’s bubble and show how little support they have."
