Cup Final travel information

Cliftonville Football Club is aware that some individuals planning to attend Saturday’s Clearer Water Irish Cup Final are organising a gathering in west Belfast before walking to Windsor Park.

The Club wishes to make it absolutely clear that neither Cliftonville FC nor any of our official Supporters’ Clubs endorse or support this activity. We strongly urge those involved in planning such a gathering to reconsider and refrain from proceeding.

We ask that all Cliftonville supporters distance themselves from this group and their actions. These individuals do not represent the values of our Club and only serve to undermine the reputation of our loyal and passionate fanbase.

For clarity, participation in an unnotified parade, as well as the use or possession of flares, smoke bombs or similar items, is illegal. Similarly, engaging in discriminatory or offensive chanting is considered a criminal offence.

The Club has been advised by the PSNI that they will be taking firm and robust action against anyone involved in illegal or anti-social behaviour. Additional police resources will be deployed specifically to monitor and respond to such incidents.

We do not want to see anyone facing arrest or a criminal record. We urge parents and guardians to be mindful of how their children or teenagers will travel to and from Windsor Park and to ensure they do not become involved in inappropriate or unlawful activity.

We want this year’s Cup Final to be a safe and enjoyable occasion for everyone involved. We are confident that our true supporters will once again create a fantastic atmosphere and represent our Club with pride.

The PSNI are, in addition, requesting that Cliftonville supporters travelling by car and coach to the Irish Cup Final leave sufficient journey time to arrive to the match.

Entry to the ground for Reds fans will be via the Olympia and Boucher gates off Boucher Road leading up to Windsor Park. Stewards will then direct supporters to their seats.

Traffic congestion is likely at key ingress and egress times due to the expected volume of supporters attending the fixture.

Police are reminding all fans that there are specific offences created by the Criminal Justice Act NI 2011 in relation to football matches:

• Possession of/ throwing fireworks/ flares etc
• Throwing articles capable of causing injury
• Going on to the playing area
• Sectarian chanting
• Drinking on passenger carrying vehicles

In addition, all fans are reminded that the areas around the stadium are ‘No Street Drinking’ zones under Belfast City Council By-Laws. Supporters are asked to be respectful and considerate whilst walking through residential streets convenient to the stadium. Any street drinking taking place will be dealt with robustly by police and any alcohol found subject to seizure. As a condition of entry to the stadium, fans will be subject to random searches. Alcohol cannot be brought into the stadium.

Maximum use of CCTV/ video evidence will be utilised as part of the match policing operation in an effort to deal with any criminal offences/anti-social behaviour which takes place.

Police will take all steps to identify and deal with anyone who has been or is committing offences.

It is hoped that a common sense approach to the event can be taken by all and the occasion enjoyed.

It is vitally important for supporter and community safety that these instructions are complied with.