Tyrone GAA is to investigate the circumstances of a serious incident at an underage fixture during which two men, understood to be a referee and an umpire, were stabbed.
A man in his 40s was arrested and taken into custody for questioning after PSNI officers attended the scene at the sports ground on Convent Road in Cookstown, Co Tyrone. He has since been released on police bail to allow for further enquiries.
One man was taken to hospital and a second man received treatment at the scene.
It is understood that the two men who were injured were the referee and an umpire.
In a statement, Tyrone GAA said that as the organising body, it was treating the incident "most seriously" and would conduct its own investigation into the circumstances.
"We will be offering our support to those affected. We can make no further comment at this time," it added.
The GAA has also condemned the incident, describing it as "totally unacceptable".
It said in a statement that it condemns "in the strongest terms possible terms the incident that marred an underage game in Tyrone last night leaving two people injured".
It added: "As an organisation we have a duty of care to protect our volunteer officials and the events that unfolded in Cookstown are totally unacceptable.
"We will work with the PSNI and our units, at both county and club level, to establish the facts around what occurred and, in the meantime, we extend our best wishes to those who were injured in the incident.
"Any supports required for our underage players and members will be provided."
Chief executive of Ulster GAA Brian McAvoy extended his thoughts to the injured men.
"I have been involved in the GAA for over 50 years and never known anything like this and anyone I have spoken to today has never known anything like it either, so it seems to be a first and hopefully a last," he said.
"Our thoughts go out to the referee and umpire who were injured in the incident.
"It's a traumatic time for them and also for the two young teams. This attack happened in front of children and that can't be lost. It's unacceptable that it happens at all, but it's magnified when it happens in front of children.
"I know the Tyrone County Board in conjunction with the two clubs have initiated support mechanisms for any aftermath that they may have suffered."
The PSNI has appealed to any witnesses or anyone with footage of what happened to contact them.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed it received a 999 call at 9.03pm yesterday evening.
An emergency crew was sent to the scene and NIAS said that following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, a patient was taken to Antrim Area Hospital.
Cookstown Fr Rocks Under-16s boys team were playing Fintona Pearses in a championship semi-final at Paddy Cullen Park in Cookstown.
Cookstown GFC said it is now supporting children and young people "who witnessed this disturbing and very serious incident".
It said that a committee will work to ensure the children have the support and assistance they require in the coming days.
Cookstown GFC said that its thoughts are with the individuals impacted by the incident.
In a statement, Fintona Pearse said that the club is aware of a serious incident that occurred at an underage football match which the PSNI are investigating.
"Our thoughts are with those impacted and all focus is on the welfare of the children and young people present," it said.
Footage posted on social media appears to show police officers responding to the incident at the GAA grounds.
Sinn Féin's Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill described the incident as shocking.
In a post on Twitter, she said: "This was a shocking incident at Padráig O'Cuilinn Pairc yesterday evening. My thoughts are with those injured and impacted.
"Anyone with any information should assist with police inquiries. I commend the work that's now under way to assist and support the young people who were at the game."
SDLP spokesperson for Sport Justin McNulty said "everyone is shocked at hearing about this appalling incident."
"Spectators, players and officials should be able to attend and participate in matches without being subjected to something like this," he said in a statement.
Local SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone said that the local community in Cookstown was worried about what happened but that it was hoped this was a "one-off".
Mr McGlone said a stabbing incident was "not the sort of thing you want at any sporting event".
"It’s not the sort of thing you certainly want in front of a crowd of youngsters, a crowd of young people participated. It sends a very bad message out," he said.
