‘You can shove Casement Park up your h***’ – NI fans voice opposition to proposed Euro 2028 stadium

Fans in the stands display a banner in opposition to the use of Casement Park for the Euro 2028

Computer generated image of a redeveloped Casement Park.

Northern Ireland fans made their feelings known about plans to redevelop Casement Park during a Euro 2024 qualifying match against San Marino.

Casement has been named as one of 10 stadiums set to host games at Euro 2028 as part of a successful UK and Ireland bid.

The GAA stadium would be home to Northern Ireland matches should Michael O’Neill’s team qualify.

The Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters’ Clubs (AONISC) has voiced concerns and DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson raised “big questions” over the plans.

Sir Jeffrey said his party would not break the principle of equitable funding for sports stadiums in Northern Ireland.

On Saturday, many Northern Ireland fans voiced their disapproval at Windsor Park as the home side defeated the visitors 3-0.

A section of fans in the Kop Stand could be heard chanting: “You can shove your Casement Park up your h***.”

The chant was heard sporadically during the match.

At present the West Belfast GAA venue is derelict and a decision will have to be made to ensure it is redeveloped in time for the tournament – with the project expecting to cost around £170m.

If they qualify, Northern Ireland could play all of their tournament games at Casement Park, as Windsor Park does not meet Uefa's 30,000 minimum capacity for hosting matches at major tournaments.

Windsor has a capacity of 18,500, meaning there are currently no sporting grounds in Northern Ireland that are big enough.

A planning application for redevelopment of Casement is for a stadium with a 34,500 capacity.

The Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters