Cliftonville Football Club condemns 'reckless' disorder before match
In a statement, the club's management committee said all such incidents of violence are to be condemned.
Cliftonville Football Club has condemned the violent disorder which happened before 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: "It was widely reported that some 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.