PSNI praise football fans after Windsor clash passes off mostly peacefully

The Champions League qualifying match between Linfield and Celtic took place in Belfast on Friday, amid fears for player's safety.

Published 15th Jul 2017
Last updated 15th Jul 2017

The PSNI said one arrest was made, a 25-year-old man was detained on suspicion of disorderly behaviour.

In a statement, the force said most football fans "behaved impeccably."

Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “I would like to pay tribute to and thank the vast majority of fans from both football clubs..."

“Unfortunately, there were a small number of incidents which police and other relevant authorities will be reviewing in the days to come, he added.

“I would like to thank everyone who worked together to ensure fans were able to enjoy the football safely."

Hundreds of Celtic fans turned out at Windsor, despite the club not taking up their ticket allocation.

On Friday afternoon, Linfield announced they had set aside a section for the Glasgow side's supporters.

Crowd control measures were also put in place for the game, with both sets of fans entering through separate gates.

During play, missiles were thrown onto the pitch.

Celtic's Leigh Griffiths was booked for delaying play after picking up a bottle before taking a corner.

Manager Brendan Rodgers said it was disappointing:

"It's obviously not what we wanted to see.

"You sometimes get these scenes throughout the country, not just here.

"The game was played in good spirit in the main," he said.

Linfield boss David Healy also played down the incident and paid tribute to the home fans:

"Linfield is a club that made giant strides over the years to try and cut that shouting and abuse out.

"But as I say you get that in Old Firm games you get that in Manchester derbies, you're always going to get a ferocious, red-hot atmosphere.

"Our fans back us, they back me and they back the players through thick and thin."

Linfield have confirmed they are investigating the incident.