Rival clubs in holiday match ban

Riot police had to restore order after trouble during the Boxing Day match

Crowd trouble during the Linfield and Glentoran soccer derby on Boxing Day has led to a ban on the two clubs playing each other on public holidays.

The two-year ban includes matches on any date over the Christmas period.

Both Belfast clubs have said they will appeal the IFA's punishment, which also includes a �1,000 fine.

Play was held up for about seven minutes during the second half of the traditional Boxing Day fixture while police in riot gear restored order.

Missiles, including bottles, fireworks and seats, were thrown onto the pitch at Linfield's Windsor Park.

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