IFA chief stands over punishment of furious Belfast clubs

IRISH Football Association president Raymond Kennedy insists a “strong message” had to be delivered to top clubs Linfield and Glentoran after trouble flared in the stands at Windsor Park on St Stephen’s Day.

The Belfast rivals have been banned from playing each other over the festive period for the next two years and fined £1,000 each. Both are planning to appeal against the disciplinary committee’s decision as they are outraged at the loss of potentially hefty gate receipts by what they see as a draconian punishment.

Kennedy, however, feels that families will be dissuaded from attending in future unless the IFA takes steps to eradicate the violence at the venue, which is also home to the national side.