Linfield: IFA sanction for spectator misconduct forces club to close Kop stand for two months

Linfield have been forced to close the Kop stand at Windsor Park for two months after being sanctioned by the Irish FA for spectator misconduct.

The punishment, effective from last Thursday, was handed out because of fan behaviour during the Blues' 3-0 defeat by Glentoran on 14 October.

Blues fans' behaviour at the game included missiles being thrown and sectarian chanting, while Glentoran also accepted a notice of complaint for spectator misconduct during the same match.

Linfield have not appealed, saying they "will not defend the indefensible".

In a statement issued in response to the punishment, the Irish Premiership holders said that the Irish FA's disciplinary committee has warned that further sanctions - including a full stadium ban and a potential deduction of points - could be imposed on the club in the event of further spectator misconduct.

They also called for all improper behaviour from fans to "desist immediately", adding that they will continue to engage with supporters groups to rectify the issues.

"Whilst the club put forward a range of mitigations in relation to actions taken to combat spectator misconduct within the stadium, including online educational messages and increased security measures, the [IFA disciplinary] committee determined that Linfield must close the Kop stand for a period of two months with immediate effect," the statement said.

"The club's board of directors will do all within their power to defend the club from disciplinary sanctions where possible but cannot and will not defend the indefensible. As such, we have accepted the punishment on this occasion."

The statement continued: "The committee also commended the club on their engagement with relevant parties and positive measures that have already been actioned to date. We will continue to engage with the disciplinary committee going forward.

"The club's board of directors is deeply concerned at this development and urges all of our supporters to get fully behind the club in its efforts to eradicate sectarian singing and all other forms of spectator misconduct.

"This behaviour is wrong on every level and is extremely damaging to the club that we all support. We again call for this to desist immediately.

"The club will continue its engagement with the supporters' group which identifies itself as 'Blue Unity' as an ongoing attempt to rectify these issues but would warn that more punitive measures will be introduced to ensure that this unacceptable behaviour does not continue."

Linfield had issued a statement on 15 November condemning "recent instances of unacceptable supporter behaviour at games" and calling for it to stop.

That followed the club being fined £500 by the IFA for "several different instances" of supporter misconduct during their Premiership game against Larne at Inver Park.

In respect of Glentoran's sanction, the IFA said it has informed the club that it will adjourn its determination for three months, "pending the detailed submission of appropriate actions taken by the club to overcome spectator misconduct issues".