O'Neill says NI fans must accept Casement 'reality'

Michael O'Neill says it would be "a real shame" if Northern Ireland missed out on part of the UK and Ireland's hosting of Euro 2028

Michael O'Neill says Northern Ireland fans are going to have to "accept" their team playing at Casement Park if qualification for the UK and Ireland hosted Euro 2028 is achieved.

The gaelic games ground - if rebuilt as planned - will be Northern Ireland's host venue at the 2028 tournament.

"This is the option that we have to take part in this event," said O'Neill.

"I think that [reality] has to take precedence.

The Northern Ireland manager added that while "we have to take everyone's view into consideration of course", it was his continuing belief that the only way Euro 2028 games can be hosted in Belfast will be if the planned 34,500 capacity Casement Park rebuild takes place.

"It's a sporting event after all. At this minute in time, that's the option we have."

Safety concerns expressed by NI fans group

Casement Park is situated in an area of west Belfast which has a predominantly nationalist population, where many would support the Republic of Ireland as opposed to the Northern Ireland team.

The Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs last week said that some fans had raised safety concerns about attending Northern Ireland matches in west Belfast.

The Northern Ireland supporters group also questioned what effect the choice of Casement Park as a host stadium for Euro 2028 will have on the country's football's "legacy".

It added that the expected increased cost of the Casement Park projected from its original £77m figure, amid delays caused by legal challenges over planning permission issues, meant funding was no longer "equitable" between GAA and the previously completed Windsor Park and Kingspan Stadium football and rugby stadium projects.

Some Northern Ireland fans at Saturday's win over San Marino displayed banners making clear their opposition to the team playing at GAA venue Casement Park

There have also been political objections from unionist parties the DUP and TUV about the amount of money the Casement Park project will take from the public purse.

However, despite Saturday's banners and the views expressed by the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs and political parties, O'Neill made his view his continuing view that fans should support the Casement Park project.

"I get everyone's point of view on it but from my point of view I think it would be a real shame if we weren't included and we have to accept this is the path that has been chosen to allow us the inclusivity of being part of this bid."

Windsor Park, where Northern Ireland play their international matches, has a capacity of 18,500, which falls well below Uefa's criteria of 30,000 for a European Championship and thus Casement Park was instead nominated.