Statement: Irish Cup semi-final

The Management Committee of Cliftonville Football Club wish to make the following statement:

Despite comments made, both by public representatives and some supporters of the Club, in the aftermath of our Irish Cup semi-final fixture at the Clearer Twist Stadium, we took the decision not to rush into releasing a statement as we have been awaiting a formal debrief from the PSNI, which the Club received in a meeting with PSNI representatives this afternoon. We also did not wish to fuel the fire by adding uninformed commentary at a time when some politicians and social media commentators have been making comments that could only be described as unhelpful.

Following discussions with the PSNI and political representatives ahead of the match, it was agreed that submitting an eleven bar one form to the Parades Commission would 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. There was no application for a similar procession after the game as this had neither been advised nor discussed when consulting with the PSNI.

Club officials were in attendance for the pre-match procession and, whilst there was shouting back and forward between fans and some who had assembled at the Village end, no major incidents were observed. We are grateful to the members of the Michael Newberry Supporters’ Club who also endeavoured to steward the procession in order to ensure it went smoothly, and Club officials engaged with the PSNI throughout this time.

After the match, 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. There can be no equivocation on that matter.

It was also apparent that, regrettably, some amongst our fanbase brought fireworks and other pyrotechnics into the stadium. The Club unequivocally opposes this practice and will continue to work with security officials – both at home and away fixtures – to address this as well as continuing to drive home the message to our own younger fanbase of the real dangers that are posed particularly by the release of fireworks in the wholly irresponsible and unacceptable manner in which they were used on the night.

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. 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 suggestion by a senior elected representative that the road and footpaths should be blocked to prevent Cliftonville fans walking to the stadium is both provocative and deeply regrettable, not least given the precedent it would establish in a divided society where fans of sporting teams and other organisations rely on being able to walk on footpaths to get to and from events of interest.

This is a societal issue, and not one specific to our Football Club.

The specific issue we face is seeking to provide a safe route for supporters to and from the Clearer Twist Stadium from the West Belfast area, whilst ensuring local people residing in the area are not disturbed by supporters. That is something we are committed to continue working with the relevant authorities to resolve in a manner that can deliver a long term solution that works for everyone.

Cliftonville FC remains committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all supporters. We are proud of the passion and support shown by the vast majority of our fanbase and will continue to work closely with the PSNI, relevant authorities and supporters groups to ensure that matchdays reflect the values of our Club. Our focus remains on moving forward together, strengthening relationships, supporting our community and ensuring that everyone can enjoy supporting Cliftonville FC in a safe and positive environment

The Management Committee
Cliftonville FC