Long condemns trouble ahead of Northern Ireland match

Alliance Sports Spokesperson Cllr Michael Long has condemned trouble which took place before Northern Ireland’s match against Poland in Belfast today. He said the violence underlined the need for football offences laws here, and the party has previously brought a motion on the issue to the Stormont Assembly.

Michael Long, who is Chair of Alliance and is a Councillor in Castlereagh said: “This type of sickening behaviour wrecks things for the vast majority of fans who hate violent thugs.

“Violence, before, during or after matches is a disturbingly regular occurrence here. It must stop and we need laws that give the authorities the chance to ban troublemakers from matches for good.

“Alliance has campaigned for many years for the introduction of football offences-style legislation here. Thugs must be apprehended, banned and stopped from wrecking people’s day in future.”

ENDS