Hundreds of people have signed a petition in support of PSNI officers who joined in celebrations after Armagh won the All-Ireland final last weekend.
Unionists and loyalists have reacted angrily after officers were filmed sounding a siren and flashing blue lights in the south Armagh village of Camlough on Sunday evening.
One marked police car was seen doing laps of the village while an officer held an Armagh flag out the window of the vehicle as dozens of GAA supporters celebrated the Orchard County’s historic win over Galway at Croke Park.
A second police car also used its lights and sirens as local people appeared to cheer on the display of support.
The Police Ombudsman said on Tuesday that it has received “dozens” of complaints and messages of support for the officers this week.
A spokesman said: “We have received dozens of complaints about the officers involved in this incident, as well as dozens of messages expressing support for their actions.
“We are continuing to consider and process the complaints that have been received to date.”
The PSNI also confirmed on Tuesday that the matter will be investigated by its Profession Standards Department (PSD).
Unionist politicians met with senior PSNI officials this week after footage of the incident was circulated on social media.
Policing Board members Keith Buchanan and Trevor Clarke were joined by Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart for the meeting at PSNI headquarters on Monday.
The TUV and UUP have also raised concerns while some nationalists have played the incident down.
An online petition in support of the officers has been signed by more than 900 people.
Headed ‘support for Camlough police officer’, the petition was created to send a message to the PSNI command.
“We ask you sign this petition to send a clear message to the PSNI Chief Constable and the Police Ombudsmen (sic) that all officers concerned in this alleged event are vindicated for their actions and immediately returned to front line duties without punishment,” it said.
The incident is expected to be raised when the Policing Board meets later this week.
