Irish FA chief Patrick Nelson accused by Council members of being blinkered on Casement Park

The dilapidated Casement Park is a sight for sore eyes

Former DUP councillor William Burns accused IFA CEO Patrick Nelson of 'talking around the question' relating to a Euro 2028 Plan B

IFA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson has been accused of ‘wearing blinkers’ when it comes to the redevelopment of Casement Park.

At an IFA Council meeting on Monday night, Nelson was asked by the Ruling Council about the risk of backing Casement, whether Windsor Park should have been considered instead and if the Association has a Plan B.

The CEO was unable to address the last matter clearly and was accused of ‘talking around the question’ by Mid Ulster representative William Burns.

Burns, a former DUP councillor on Newry and Mourne District Council for 30 years, is also a Mid Ulster FA Committee member and voiced his opinion that Windsor Park is – or was – a viable option to host Euro 2028 Finals games.

He was one of a handful of representatives to speak up on the matter but feels their words were falling on deaf ears.

“Patrick was asked if the IFA had a Plan B, and I don’t think he gave a straight answer,” Burns told the Belfast Telegraph.

“He said a lot, but if he did give a straight answer on Monday night, I didn’t hear it.

“There doesn’t seem to be a Plan B, and I don’t think there is any interest in a Plan B from the people sitting at the top table on Monday night.

“I don’t know why, but they seem to be wearing blinkers when it comes to Casement Park. All the eggs are in one basket.

“I’d like to see the National Stadium at Windsor Park upgraded for the future.

“I feel there is one opportunity here to upgrade the National Stadium to be able to host major tournaments in the future, I think the current funding being talked about will be