Three Charged Over Crusaders Cliftonville Protests

Two men in their forties and a 21-year-old woman have been charged following protests outside Seaview stadium in north Belfast over the weekend.

A match between the two north Belfast football teams Crusaders, who are considered predominantly Protestant and Cliftonville, who are considered predominantly Catholic, had to be cancelled.

All three were released on police bail to appear in court on 13 March.

Crusaders' ground, Seaview, is on the mainly loyalist Shore Road. It is understood both clubs had been working towards a strategy to avoid any sectarian clashes, after concerns had arisen regarding Cliftonville fans walking through the Skegoneil area on their way to the ground.

A PSNI statement said: "On Saturday afternoon a small group of people chose to conduct a white line protest at the Crusader's Football ground. After approximately 40 minutes they were asked to move away from the ground to ensure that fans were able to enter Seaview unhindered.

"Despite intensive efforts by police and football officials to negotiate a peaceful outcome, the protest did not move and as a consequence police had to move the protestors to ensure the safety of fans.

"As they did so, a number of protestors began to violently resist the police, and officers were attacked with bottles and other missiles.

"Upon learning of the public disorder, the two clubs advised police that the game would not proceed."

Crusaders Football Club said it was "deeply disappointed".

"Crusaders Football Club would like to thank the local residents of Skegoniel Avenue for the considerable engagement that has taken place since November to manage this match," a statement said.

"We are disappointed that these efforts have been undermined. Together with Cliftonville Football Club, the IFA and PSNI a further statement will be issued in due course."

A statement from Cliftonville said the club was "extremely disappointed that this afternoon's football match versus Crusaders did not go ahead.

"We would like to thank our fans for their patience and co-operation today. There will be no further comment from the club at this stage."

(IT/GK)