Michael O’Neill: I respect the GAWA’s opinion on Casement Park but we must grab the chance to be Euro 2028 host nation

Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill

Michael O’Neill has addressed the chants from Northern Ireland supporters on Saturday at Windsor Park in relation to Casement Park stating that he respects the opinion of the fans but would like to see everyone back the European Championship finals coming to Belfast in 2028.

The Northern Ireland boss added while he does not feel the song about the GAA ground has an impact on his team, he did call for a ‘positive atmosphere’ at tomorrow’s home Euro 2024 qualifier against Slovenia.

At the weekend during Northern Ireland’s 3-0 victory over San Marino, on several occasions a section of supporters on the Kop roared ‘You can stick yer Casement Park up yer hole’.

A significant number of Green and White Army fans are unhappy that the as yet built stadium in west Belfast has been chosen as the venue to host matches in Northern Ireland for the Euro 2028 finals as part of the successful UK/Ireland bid to stage the tournament.

When constructed Casement Park will have a 34,500 capacity. Many Northern Ireland fans would prefer Windsor to be used but it only has a 18,500 capacity which is not deemed big enough for Euro games.

At today’s media briefing ahead of the Slovenia game, O’Neill said: “Everyone is entitled to their opinion on it. This is obviously what the Association have done in terms of the bid. There’s a lot of opinion on that and we have to take that into account.

“Supporters of course are equally as important as anyone in this situation. I can’t change it. I don’t know how many times I’m going to be asked it but I can’t change the situation as it stands at the minute going forward to 2028.

“I would like to see it (Euro 2028 coming to Belfast) supported. As I’ve said before I think it