Sad times for football fans in Belfast as todays Crusaders Cliftonville game in the Irish league has been called off because of flag protests from Unionists outside the ground.
Crusaders vs Cliftonville match at Seaview, has been called off because of a flag protest on the Shore road.
— Downtown Radio News (@newsondowntown) February 16, 2013
Police reinforcements being sent to Seaview to rescue Cliftonville supporters
— Mr J (@belfastjj) February 16, 2013
Here's how the PSNI updated fans via twitter;
PSNI would like to make the public aware that the Crusaders v Cliftonville match is proceeding as planned today at Seaview.
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) February 16, 2013
30 minutes later...
The clubs involved in today's Crusaders v Cliftonville football match have called the match off.
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) February 16, 2013
Those who are in attendance at Seaview for the Crusaders v Cliftonville match are asked to leave the area in a peaceful and orderly manner.
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) February 16, 2013
We'll see how the IFA and other authorities react. Cliftonville's support is largely nationalist and Crusaders are one of their biggest rivals. This protest is clearly not football related though.
On Monday night 4 League of Ireland clubs from the Republic are due to play in the Setanta Cup in the North. There are two ties in Belfast; Cliftonville v Cork City and Glentoran v St Patrick's Athletic. Could they now be in jeopardy?
