'Sectarian songs' in Solitude silence

Published Monday, 12 November 2012
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A two-minute silence in remembrance of people killed in world conflicts at the match between Linfield and Cliftonville was not observed by some fans.

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Footage of the incident, which happened at Solitude on Saturday, has appeared online.

It shows a small number of Cliftonville fans singing allegedly sectarian songs, booing and jeering during what was meant to be a moment of silence and reflection.

The announcer had called for people in the stadium to respect the wishes of those who wanted to observe the silence - but that didn't happen.

Linfield supporter and Progressive Unionist Party leader Billy Hutchinson said the behaviour was "totally out of order".

He continued: "Cliftonville had announced there was going to be a two minute silence for all the people who have died in conflict around the world - it wasn't just for British soldiers or British people but for all people.

"As the players and referees lined up we heard a number of people starting singing songs which could be described as sectarian and jeering and it was totally out of order."

Mr Hutchinson met with the chairman of Cliftonville, Gerard Lawlor, on Monday.

"Gerard assures me he will continue to be committed to bringing the club forward but he wants me to recognise that the problems are societal - I recognise that and think he needs to be given support by the IFA and others," he said.

"I'm happy that the club will take action and do all within their power but it's very difficult when you have a handful of fans coming along to be out of order."

Cliftonville did not respond to calls and emails from UTV on Monday.

Linfield, meanwhile, said it was making no comment at the moment - over the weekend manager David Jeffrey said he did not blame Cliftonville Football Club for the disruption.

The Irish Football Association said it is waiting for the match observer's report before making any comment.

© UTV News
Comments Comments
40 Comments
Larsson7 in Bellaghy wrote (31 days ago):
Aiden McAnespie is not a sectarian song
Dave in Lisburn wrote (190 days ago):
Steve in Belfast. If Linfield have the right to commemorate so do Cliftonville. If there were no commemorations at the game, we wouldn't be having this discussion. The IFA have to answer for this. I don't understand, what do you think is pure bigotry?
Steve in Belfast wrote (191 days ago):
Dave in Lisburn: If Linfield fans have a right to commemorate war dead, why did some of the Cliftonville "fans" choose to disrespect them doing so by singing and chanting during the commemoration? So you think such commemoration is wrong. Regardless of the nature of that viewpoint (and I think it's pure bigotry), disrupting it is plain offensive. Time CFC officials took a stand against such behaviour.
william in coleraine wrote (191 days ago):
@mouncy maybe it shouldnt be banned? well if they dont want to pay their respects they dont have to. but to insult war dead just isnt acceptable!
Mouncey in North Belfast wrote (191 days ago):
That's right Darren the Rangers support are well known for their masterful wit and repartee. If it's so inoffensive why is it banned?
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