Cliftonville Football Club condemns 'reckless' Irish Cup disorder

Cliftonville Football Club has condemned the violent disorder which happened around a football match in south Belfast on Friday night.

Nine police officers were injured and a child was hit by a bottle, before the Irish Cup semi-final at Windsor Park, where Cliftonville lost to Dungannon Swifts.

A 19-year-old man was later charged with riotous behaviour, doing a provocative act, possession of fireworks/flares at a regulated match, indecent behaviour and attempted criminal damage.

Police said most fans behaved in a peaceful manner at the pre-match procession

In a statement the club's management committee said its officials did not witness any "major incidents" before the game, but condemned reports that a small number of youths had been "involved in throwing objects and fireworks at police at Broadway".

"All such incidents of violence are to be condemned and should form no part of any sporting event, at any time or any place," it said.

"It was also apparent that, regrettably, some amongst our fanbase brought fireworks and other pyrotechnics into the stadium."

The club said it opposes the practice and will continue to work with security officials to address the issue.

It added it wants to drive home the message, particularly to younger fans, of the dangers of using fireworks.

"Cliftonville FC are proud to be supported by fans of all traditions and ages, with elderly fans in attendance on the night alongside young families and school groups," it said.

"Those recklessly releasing fireworks – both inside and outside of the stadium – put people at risk and must realise the real dangers involved in such activities."

The club said it had been decided, before the match after discussions with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), to submit a Parades Commission application to provide an "optimal environment within which the PSNI could police Cliftonville supporters walking from the Broadway/Donegal Road end to the stadium ahead of the fixture".

The Parades Commission determination had placed conditions on the procession.

"There was no application for a similar procession after the game as this had neither been advised nor discussed when consulting with the PSNI," the club added.

Cliftonville's Management Committee said it waited until after it had met PSNI representatives before making a statement.

The club criticised comments made by Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots, that local residents may have to block the road to ensure Cliftonville supporters are unable to access Windsor Park from now on - saying his comments were "deeply regrettable".

Speaking to Good Morning Ulster on Monday, Poots said the local community has had issues with Cliftonville fans when they were visiting Windsor Park in the past.

"I'll make it very clear - the local community are not going to accept it anymore," he said.

"If that involves them having to come out and sit on the road in large numbers and ensure that these people will not be able to access Windsor Park, that's what's going to happen."

The club added that it is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all supporters and will continue to work closely with the PSNI, relevant authorities and supporters groups to "ensure that matchdays reflect the values of our club".

In the statement they said are "proud of the passion and support shown by the vast majority of our fanbase".

On Saturday, Supt Fiona Dornan said the majority of football fans attending the match had behaved in a "peaceful" manner but a number of people "chose to engage disorderly behaviour and provocative conduct".