Alliance Party Assembly member for East Belfast Naomi Long has condemned the armed robbery at the Oval after Wednesday night’s Co Antrim Shield semi final.
Councillor Long stated:
“After Glentoran losing in the semi-final, this was a real kick in the teeth for local football. This game against Linfield would have brought in one of the highest gate receipts of the season, and our football clubs suffer enough without robbers taking advantage.
“News that insurance might not cover the theft must surely lead to a review of both security and financial arrangements to prevent such a situation arising again.
“Armed robberies are all too common throughout Belfast, and while the PSNI are tackling the problem as best they can, they need the help of the community if they are to bring these criminals to justice.
“I would appeal to anyone with information to get in contact with the police immediately. Even if it is only seems like a small or insignificant piece of information, as every football fan knows, even a long shot can sometimes get a result.”