IFA condemn missile thrower

The Irish Football Association have condemned the behaviour of a supporter who threw a missile at Swedish assistant referee Stefan Wittberg during Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying victory against Poland at Windsor Park last night.

Play was briefly held up as Wittberg need treatment to his head following the incident in the first half.

The IFA could now suffer recriminations from FIFA once the match delegate’s report is received following the 3-2 victory, which saw the province go top of Group Three.

However the Belfast-based governing body are hoping it will be perceived as an “isolated incident”.

A spokesman said: “The Irish Football Association condemn the actions of that individual. What happened was totally unacceptable.

“The individual was identified and evicted from the stadium at half-time. Appropriate action will now be taken.

“But this was an isolated incident. The Northern Ireland fans were fantastic at Windsor and gave the team great vocal backing.

“They are renowned throughout the world for their support home and away and last night was no exception.”