Saturday, February 16, 2013

Northern Ireland football derby cancelled amid loyalist flag protest

The Union flag flies behind a statue of Queen Victoria at Belfast City Hall, Northern Ireland. The flag was hoisted over Belfast's City Hall today for the first time since its removal a month ago sparked riots in Northern Ireland.

Protests over the move to limit the union flag flying over Belfast town hall has now affected a sporting event, with Cliftonville v Crusaders cancelled amid a loyalist protest. Photograph: Peter Muhly/AFP/Getty Images

A Belfast football derby was cancelled minutes before kick-off on Saturday after loyalist extremists descended on the stadium.

On police advice the north Belfast derby between league leaders Cliftonvile and second place Crusaders was cancelled after loyalist demonstrators turned up outside the Crusaders FC's ground, Seaview.

There is a huge security operation outside Seaview as police decide how to escort Cliftonville supporters home.

It is the first time loyalists angry over the decision to limit the flying of the union flag to 18 days above Belfast City Hall have targeted a sporting event as part of their protests.

Loyalists decided to disrupt the North Belfast derby because Cliftonville has a substantial Catholic following.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/feb/16/northern-ireland-football-derby-cancelled

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