An Alliance MLA has condemned sectarian graffiti “threatening” the party for supporting the redevelopment of Casement Park after a sinister message appeared on a bus stand in Co Down.
Black paint was daubed on the Translink stop on Gibson’s Lane in Newtownards denouncing plans for a new GAA stadium in west Belfast.
“Alliance want Casement Pk,” it read.
“Ards, Fk GAA.
“UVF”.
It’s understood the PSNI attended the scene on Thursday afternoon, although no official report has been made.
Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong said those responsible “aren’t going to bring the Euros to NI” as she defended her party’s efforts to secure funding for the stalled project in west Belfast.
“Alliance and most political parties supported the development of Casement,” she said.
“Like anyone who wants better for NI, we and are very disappointed as a result that the failure to develop Casement in time means NI will not be able to host any of the Euro 2028 football games.
“Threatening graffiti smeared onto a bus shelter claiming to be by the UVF isn’t going to bring the Euros to NI.
“All it means is public money will be wasted cleaning up after whoever did it.”
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Translink confirmed it is aware of the graffiti which it intends to remove as soon as possible.
‘‘Translink condemns all incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour,” a spokesperson added.
‘‘We take a multi-agency approach to mitigate this behaviour working closely with the PSNI including Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the PSNI Safe Transport Team as well as community and elected representatives to reduce and prevent anti-social behaviour.’’
It comes a month after the UK Government announced it would not be providing funding to rebuild Casement Park in time for the Euros.
The derelict Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) stadium had been due to stage five games in Uefa’s showpiece tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland in less than five years.
On Thursday, the Republic’s junior minister for sport, Thomas Byrne, confirmed the Irish government has asked to host additional Euros matches “on a regional basis”, suggesting that they be held outside Dublin.
The city’s Aviva Stadium, the home of Ireland’s international football team, is already set to host six games in the upcoming tournament.
Alliance Lagan Valley MLA David Honeyford, previously described NI missing out on hosting games as “disappointing”.
“The Euros is the third largest sporting event in the world,” he said.
“That the local economy will miss out on such a monumental boost, and that we in general will miss out on such a great opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland and our sporting legacy on the world stage is incredibly disheartening.
“Alliance has consistently called for Casement Park to be built and completed in time to reap all the benefits of Euro 2028, and we want to see the project ultimately completed, despite what promises have now been broken.
“We will therefore continue engaging with the Secretary of State and the UK Government on this going forward.”
The PSNI has been contacted for comment.
News Catch Up – Thursday 17 October