Football trouble underlines need for quick implementation of fan laws

Alliance Party Sports Spokesperson Cllr Michael Long has expressed disgust at trouble at today’s Portadown – Glentoran match and said it highlights the need for the proposed sports spectator laws to be implemented as quickly as possible. Alliance has campaigned for years for laws similar to those in the Football Offences Act to be implemented here.

Cllr Michael Long said: “These disgusting scenes have brought shame on football in Northern Ireland.

“It is almost beyond belief that a spectator would attempt to punch a footballer, and this incident and what followed show the need for spectator laws to be implemented urgently here.

“The actions of a small minority of individuals must not be allowed to spoil sporting events and that’s why we need these laws quickly.

“Alliance has campaigned for years for spectator laws to be created here and these events show why there can be no further delays on them.”

ENDS