Irish cup semi on saturday

[CvilleRovers]

looking forward to heading up and watching the reds beat that linfield crowd :D
anyone else heading it?

[David]

Think I might pop in for a wee look. ;)

[waide]

looking forward to heading up and watching the reds beat that linfield crowd :D
anyone else heading it? I 'll take a look as well,always wanted to watch a match from the big stand at the oval,should be a good atmoshere.:cool:

[CvilleRovers]

how have the linfield tickets been selling do you know?
really dissapointed with the time change as i know 99% of fans of the reds and linfield are too, i fear the crowd could be hit badly by the new time unfortunatly.really poor call by the ifa

[waide]

how have the linfield tickets been selling do you know?
really dissapointed with the time change as i know 99% of fans of the reds and linfield are too, i fear the crowd could be hit badly by the new time unfortunatly.really poor call by the ifaIt was supposedly on police and H&S instruction that responsible for the early KO, i don't think it will hit the crowd too badly,where i live i know a lot of bluemen and although some would also follow rangers the vast majority would be Linfield through and through.

[Graemerz]

The restrictions were always gonna hit Cliftonville harder than the Blues. Still a shame this happened though. It was going to be a massive match and now they have moved the kick off its kind of reduced its attraction.

[SolitudeRed]

Was round at Solitude there buying my ticket its a shame about the time getting changed hopefully it won't affect the atmosphere too much! all I can say is f**k the old firm:mad:

just checked the weather there it looks like it will be raining tomorrow so I'm glad I forked out the extra few quid for the Railway stand ticket!

[CvilleRovers]

Was round at Solitude there buying my ticket its a shame about the time getting changed hopefully it won't affect the atmosphere too much! all I can say is f**k the old firm:mad:

just checked the weather there it looks like it will be raining tomorrow so I'm glad I forked out the extra few quid for the Railway stand ticket!

to rain is it feck that, ah well sure once theres a reds victory i dont really care how drenched i get ;)

[SolitudeRed]

to rain is it feck that, ah well sure once theres a reds victory i dont really care how drenched i get ;)


Well hopefully your right about about the result!! Is there many Rovers boys coming up for this match then?

[Graemerz]

Linfield beat Cliftonville 2-1. Under 21 International Mulgrew opened the scoring for the Blues and full International Thompson scored the second. Kieran O'Connor made it 2-1 in the second half with a defelcted shot.

In the other semi-final Coleraine and Donegal Celtic drew 1-1. Replay to be played on Tuesday. The winner of this game will be in the Setanta Cup 2009.

[SolitudeRed]

2-1 to Linfield it finished the Cliftonville players looked knackered by the end of the game and it has been a long hard season for them thus far the win for Linfield was a fair result in the end IMO.

However the match has been overshadowed when it was revealed after the match that a bullet and death threat were sent to Cliftonville manager Eddie Patterson during the week. On top of this violence after the match in the city centre has left on man critically ill in hospital after he had been stabbed in the neck, It has been widely reported in the press that the violence started when a group of Linfield fans attacked a bar filled with Celtic/Cliftonville fans. A Dark day indeed for the Irish League:(

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7320852.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7320637.stm

[paudie]

2-1 to Linfield it finished the Cliftonville players looked knackered by the end of the game and it has been a long hard season for them thus far the win for Linfield was a fair result in the end IMO.

However the match has been overshadowed when it was revealed after the match that a bullet and death threat were sent to Cliftonville manager Eddie Patterson during the week. On top of this violence after the match in the city centre has left on man critically ill in hospital after he had been stabbed in the neck, It has been widely reported in the press that the violence started when a group of Linfield fans attacked a bar filled with Celtic/Cliftonville fans. A Dark day indeed for the Irish League:(



Not sure how the league can be held responsible for the actions of some goons who may or may not claim to support one of it's teams.

[CvilleRovers]

reds unlucky not to get a replay :mad:
2 stupid goals in first half from set pieces

[MariborKev]

Not sure how the league can be held responsible for the actions of some goons who may or may not claim to support one of it's teams.

Doesn't matter, in today's culture the blame will always be apportioned whether fair or not. Incidents like this could kill an AIL before it starts......

[David]

Doesn't matter, in today's culture the blame will always be apportioned whether fair or not. Incidents like this could kill an AIL before it starts......

Police are now stating that there is no suggestion that Linfield supporters were involved.

[Steve Bruce]

Police are now stating that there is no suggestion that Linfield supporters were involved.

Lets hope that rag Sunday World print a retraction. What a hateful bunch. Also the Sunday Lies should also print a huge apology, but we all know that wont happen.

[Mr_Parker]

Police are now stating that there is no suggestion that Linfield supporters were involved.

David, with all due respect, that is not exactly what they stated. They were not suggesting it, not that there was "no suggestion."

I, like all IL hope there is no link but there are many people who were on the ground on Saturday who are still adamant about it.

[Mr_Parker]

Lets hope that rag Sunday World print a retraction. What a hateful bunch. Also the Sunday Lies should also print a huge apology, but we all know that wont happen.

What bits do you think the Sunday World or the other papers should retract? It was typical sensationalising tabloid reports but I'm not sure which bits they are not allowed to print?

[Steve Bruce]

What bits do you think the Sunday World or the other papers should retract? It was typical sensationalising tabloid reports but I'm not sure which bits they are not allowed to print?

The opening to the article 'Fenian hating Linfield supporters'

That one line on it's own should be retracted and their should be a full apology to go with it.

[waide]

What bits do you think the Sunday World or the other papers should retract? It was typical sensationalising tabloid reports but I'm not sure which bits they are not allowed to print?Let me just say that i was shocked and saddened by saturdays events,whether or not the culprits were in linfield colours these people have nothing to give to our society,the important thing now is that the injured guy makes a speedy recovery.Hopefully when these people are brought to justice the football club i support and who have done more than any other club on this island to stamp out the evil that is sectarianism will have their good name and that of the best fans in Ireland restored.When i went to the newsagents on sunday morning i was seething at the headlines in the sunday world,i have never seen such a shocking piece of journalism in my life.

[pól-dcfc]

The opening to the article 'Fenian hating Linfield supporters'

That one line on it's own should be retracted and their should be a full apology to go with it.

Should it? If it was Linfield fans who slit your man's throat for wearing a Celtic shirt, I think it would be fair to say that they were "Fenian hating". Unless they cut him up because he wore glasses or Nikes that were just so last year.

[Steve Bruce]

Should it? If it was Linfield fans who slit your man's throat for wearing a Celtic shirt, I think it would be fair to say that they were "Fenian hating". Unless they cut him up because he wore glasses or Nikes that were just so last year.

It wasn't Linfield supporters according to the police.

The only people who suggested it was Linfield supporters where Sinn Fein. Then the media jumped on with false accusations.

But of course you missed that bit didn't you.

[pól-dcfc]

It wasn't Linfield supporters according to the police.

Misinformation to the extreme.

The police have not said it wasn't Linfield supporters and you know that.

Police have said investigations are ongoing and have not ruled anyone out.


The only people who suggested it was Linfield supporters where Sinn Fein. Then the media jumped on with false accusations.

Don't make me laugh. Witnesses on the ground reported people shouting slogans relating to Section F, a Linfield Hoolie grouping.

But of course you missed that bit didn't you, with your classic head-in-the-sand mentality.


Hullo, Hullo
We are the Billy Boys
Hullo, Hullo
You'll know us by our noise
We're up to our knees in fenian blood
Surrender or you'll die
For we are
The Billy Billy Boys

You's just love them Fenians so much ye bathe in their blood!

edit: not you personally obviously Steve - some of your fellow fans.

I'm not implying that all Linfield fans are Fenian hating of course, but certaintly a minority are.

[Mr_Parker]

The opening to the article 'Fenian hating Linfield supporters'

That one line on it's own should be retracted and their should be a full apology to go with it.

If you are going to quote something then it helps if you quote exactly and don't "pararphrase".

'Fenian hating' fans of football club Linfield.....

The 'Fenian hating' comment was in quotes and refered to those who carried out the attack not Linfield fans in general.

[Mr_Parker]

It wasn't Linfield supporters according to the police.

The only people who suggested it was Linfield supporters where Sinn Fein. Then the media jumped on with false accusations.

But of course you missed that bit didn't you.

There were reports circulating that it was Linfield fans before SF had even arrived on the scene and was being communicated as such to journalists. But don't let that get in your way. :rolleyes:

[Steve Bruce]

Misinformation to the extreme.

The police have not said it wasn't Linfield supporters and you know that.

Police said there is no indication that Linfield supporters where involved.

Police have said investigations are ongoing and have not ruled anyone out.

True, but again Linfield supporters are not primed suspects. Apparently they where neo nazis some with english accents some with Scottish accents. Are they Linfield supporters to?

Don't make me laugh. Witnesses on the ground reported people shouting slogans relating to Section F, a Linfield Hoolie grouping.

These people who attacked the 2 felas where apparently drinking in a bar an hour and a half before the attack. How could they be in two places at once?

But of course you missed that bit didn't you, with your classic head-in-the-sand mentality.

No, I'm defending my club against bigoted parties & Media, not to mention certain IL supporters

You's just love them Fenians so much ye bathe in their blood!

I'm sure Derry City have a right few murdering scum supporting them, a certain Martin McGinnis to start with. But sure let's stick the boot into Linfield eh?

edit: not you personally obviously Steve - some of your fellow fans.

Whilst I would admit that we have some supporters who wouldn't be of great taste, but we are all being tarred with one brush here.

I'm not implying that all Linfield fans are Fenian hating of course, but certaintly a minority are.
Would you say all Derry City supporters are great people who don't have a minority of Orange haters?


Read bolds

[Steve Bruce]

If you are going to quote something then it helps if you quote exactly and don't "pararphrase".

'Fenian hating' fans of football club Linfield.....

The 'Fenian hating' comment was in quotes and refered to those who carried out the attack not Linfield fans in general.

Well I never had the paper in hand when I was I typing.

The sentance is disgraceful no matter how you would like to put it. All that does is raise tensions. This paper amongst other parties/people etc will get an innocent Blueman seriously hurt.

And it is hte media and who are going to provoke it.

[Steve Bruce]

There were reports circulating that it was Linfield fans before SF had even arrived on the scene and was being communicated as such to journalists. But don't let that get in your way. :rolleyes:

Prove that? How on earth would you know? Hear'say? Lets face it in this country, people especially hardened loyalist/republicans lie through their teeth.

[Mr_Parker]

Prove that? How on earth would you know? Hear'say? Lets face it in this country, people especially hardened loyalist/republicans lie through their teeth.


Prove it? Sorry but I didn't record the phone calls I got from journalists in the immediate aftermath. At that stage they were reporting that it involved Linfield and Cliftonville supporters in a fight.

BTW, who are you calling a liar? And as for "hardened" positions, what was that nickname An Fear Dearg had for you?

[Mr_Parker]

Well I never had the paper in hand when I was I typing.


So you admit you were spouting off about something without acquainting yourself with even the basic facts. No surprise there. :rolleyes:

[Mr_Parker]

Read bolds


I would suggest you go and check some facts. Like the actual time they went to the other bar. CCTV has already helped on that one. Check the exact words of the police. No one has been ruled out from their investigations. in fact they have stated they are following a definate line of enquiry. Oh and don't be so selective about which clubs can count on "mudering scum" as supporters.

Also, I don't think anyone has tarred all Linfield supporters with the same brush. I certainly wouldn't and would hope for the sake of all the IL that it is found that no Linfield supporters were involved.

[Not Brazil]

I would suggest you go and check some facts. Like the actual time they went to the other bar.

1.45PM, according to bar staff - and according to SF coverage yesterday.

The incidents in the Castle Street area took place at just after 3.30PM.

The game at The Oval wasn't over until after 2.15PM.

I have yet to see a Linfield fan with a tardis.

[Mr_Parker]

1.45PM, according to bar staff - and according to SF coverage yesterday.

The incidents in the Castle Street area took place at just after 3.30PM.

The game at The Oval wasn't over until after 2.15PM.

I have yet to see a Linfield fan with a tardis.

CCTV showed 2.30pm I'm told. BTW, I do not believe all or indeed most were at the game.

[Not Brazil]

CCTV showed 2.30pm I'm told. BTW, I do not believe all or indeed most were at the game.

There are many inconsistencies (and lies) in the reporting of these incidents.

[Krstic]

Read bolds

I'm sure Derry City have a right few murdering scum supporting them, a certain Martin McGinnis to start with. But sure let's stick the boot into Linfield eh?

Don't know any Martin McGinnis(although there maybe and he may be a convicted murderer) who supports Derry but i did see Billy Hutchinson(who is a convicted murderer) supporting Linfield at the Brandywell once.

[Steve Bruce]

I'm sure Derry City have a right few murdering scum supporting them, a certain Martin McGinnis to start with. But sure let's stick the boot into Linfield eh?

Don't know any Martin McGinnis(although there maybe and he may be a convicted murderer) who supports Derry but i did see Billy Hutchinson(who is a convicted murderer) supporting Linfield at the Brandywell once.

It's not me who is trying to say that our supporters are whiter than white.

[Steve Bruce]

I would suggest you go and check some facts. Like the actual time they went to the other bar. CCTV has already helped on that one. Check the exact words of the police. No one has been ruled out from their investigations. in fact they have stated they are following a definate line of enquiry. Oh and don't be so selective about which clubs can count on "mudering scum" as supporters.

Also, I don't think anyone has tarred all Linfield supporters with the same brush. I certainly wouldn't and would hope for the sake of all the IL that it is found that no Linfield supporters were involved.

That line to me shows doubt that it was Linfield supporters. But then, I wouldnt with you, depends on your agenda.

[pól-dcfc]

It's not me who is trying to say that our supporters are whiter than white.

You just hear what you want to. Ostrichitis.

No-one is saying Derry fans are whiter than white. But we don't sing sectarian songs and we don't go about stabbing people (if indeed it was Linfield fans etc etc).

[old git]

You just hear what you want to. Ostrichitis.

No-one is saying Derry fans are whiter than white. But we don't sing sectarian songs and we don't go about stabbing people (if indeed it was Linfield fans etc etc).

its all if's / but's / lies / rumours at the moment .. if it is proven to be linfield fans they will be prosecuted and sent to jail ?? ... and that should be the end of it .. a lot of clubs still have a hardcore sectarian elements even though the clubs have been doing their best to get rid of them .. how can any club be held responsible for some scumbag wearing their club colours after a game who wants to create trouble / stab people :ball:

[pól-dcfc]

its all if's / but's / lies / rumours at the moment .. if it is proven to be linfield fans they will be prosecuted and sent to jail ?? ... and that should be the end of it .. a lot of clubs still have a hardcore sectarian elements even though the clubs have been doing their best to get rid of them .. how can any club be held responsible for some scumbag wearing their club colours after a game who wants to create trouble / stab people :ball:

They can't of course. What I object to is Linfield fans coming on and making themselves out to be the paragons of society. Ignoring that the whole culture around Windsor (including waving Union Flags and UVF flags, singing politically charged and downright violent songs and incidents like the recent burning of a tricolour) encourages sectarianism and violence (Hatchets and Hammers - the attempted demolition of the Oval) is akin to having your head rammed firmly up your hole.

[Not Brazil]

Should it? If it was Linfield fans who slit your man's throat for wearing a Celtic shirt, I think it would be fair to say that they were "Fenian hating". Unless they cut him up because he wore glasses or Nikes that were just so last year.

The victim wasn't wearing a Celtic shirt.

Picture available upon request.

Two arrests yesterday in connection with this incident - best to wait and see now who was responsible.

[pól-dcfc]

The victim wasn't wearing a Celtic shirt.

Picture available upon request.

Two arrests yesterday in connection with this incident - best to wait and see now who was responsible.

You're not wrong. Apologies for the oversight. Mind you I don't think the crowd were in any doubt about why they were attacking the man. At the very least I hope we can all agree that the stabbing had a sectarian motive.

[Not Brazil]

You're not wrong. Apologies for the oversight. Mind you I don't think the crowd were in any doubt about why they were attacking the man. At the very least I hope we can all agree that the stabbing had a sectarian motive.

The Sunday World reported at the weekend that the intended target of the gang was a leading North Belfast Provo, who was convicted in 1976 for a brutal, sectarian, double murder.

They named him - I'll not.

Sectarian? Was the attack because of the guy's perceived religious beliefs (I doubt many of the attackers were frequent church goers), or because of his perceived political beliefs/national identity?

Mute point, depending on one's defination of "sectarian".

The attack was barbaric.

Those involved deserve the full rigour of the law to be brought upon them - regardless of what football team they profess to "support", if any.

Given that reports place the gang at another Belfast city centre bar at 1.45PM, and that the IC Semi Final at The Oval didn't finish until 2.20PM, certain questions are raised.

One of them being, do Linfield fans all own a tardis, enabling them to time travel.

[pól-dcfc]

Mute point

It is indeed. Sectarianism in Ireland doesn't just mean Catholic on Protestant (or vice versa) attacks, it also means Nationalist/Loyalist hatred of each other. The fact that most Nationalists are Catholics and most Loyalists Protestant, has made 'sectarian' an easy (if lazy) way to describe things.


The Sunday World reported at the weekend that the intended target of the gang was a leading North Belfast Provo, who was convicted in 1976 for a brutal, sectarian, double murder.

Even if the guy they were looking for was second in command to Adolf Hitler in WWII that doesn't excuse mob violence.



Given that reports place the gang at another Belfast city centre bar at 1.45PM, and that the IC Semi Final at The Oval didn't finish until 2.20PM, certain questions are raised.

Questions certaintly are raised.

However, given that many other reports have the mob chanting slogans associated with Section F, wouldn't it be wise to acknowledge that Linfield fans could have been involved? Why ignore half of the evidence? Personally I think this is a good opportunity to further examine links between sport and sectarianism, and possibly to find ways in which to erradicate the growing hooligan/schooligan problems both North and South of the border.

[Not Brazil]

However, given that many other reports have the mob chanting slogans associated with Section F, wouldn't it be wise to acknowledge that Linfield fans could have been involved? Why ignore half of the evidence? Personally I think this is a good opportunity to further examine links between sport and sectarianism, and possibly to find ways in which to erradicate the growing hooligan/schooligan problems both North and South of the border.

Agree with the rest of your post above.

On this point, I wholly accept that some folk who would profess to be Linfield fans may have been involved in this attack - I have an open mind on that.

Not fans enough to be at the IC Semi Final until the end tho, it would seem - unlike over 3,000 other Linfield fans who stayed until the end, and beyond, to applaud and cheer their heros (of both main traditions) off the park - some of us even so fit to applaud the gallant losers off the pitch too.

Organised football hooligan gangs are to be found throughout the world - Danny Dyer did a whole series on it, you'll re-call - if it wasn't sectarianism, it would be something else. Fighting is in these people's blood.

It's a sub culture - not easy to eradicate.

[Krstic]

The Sunday World reported at the weekend that the intended target of the gang was a leading North Belfast Provo, who was convicted in 1976 for a brutal, sectarian, double murder.

They named him - I'll not.



Sure that makes it OK then, you'll not mind Billy Hutchinson getting the same treatment next time he's down in Derry as he too was convicted of brutal sectarian murders as well???

[pól-dcfc]

Not fans enough to be at the IC Semi Final until the end tho, it would seem - unlike over 3,000 other Linfield fans who stayed until the end, and beyond, to applaud and cheer their heros (of both main traditions) off the park - some of us even so fit to applaud the gallant losers off the pitch too.


Is it possible they could have met up with fellow hoolies who were already preparing the attack after the match?

It's not Linfield FC's fault. However, more could still be done by the club (I'm aware of all the efforts currently being undertaken) to stamp out sectarianism. I'd say the same for Cliftonville and Shamrock Rovers as well to be honest. I dread the day Rovers and Linfield meet in the Setanta Cup.

[Not Brazil]

Sure that makes it OK then, you'll not mind Billy Hutchinson getting the same treatment next time he's down in Derry as he too was convicted of brutal sectarian murders as well???

How does it make it "ok"?:confused:

[Not Brazil]

Is it possible they could have met up with fellow hoolies who were already preparing the attack after the match?

It's not Linfield FC's fault. However, more could still be done by the club (I'm aware of all the efforts currently being undertaken) to stamp out sectarianism. I'd say the same for Cliftonville and Shamrock Rovers as well to be honest. I dread the day Rovers and Linfield meet in the Setanta Cup.

Quite possible - I just don't know.

There is absolutely nothing Linfield FC could have done to avoid this incident -even if Linfield fans are proven to have been involved.

Responsibility for public order in Belfast City Centre lies squarely with the PSNI.

On the prospect of Blues v Rovers, I believe there would be a ban on "away" fans attending the matches.

Unfortunately, there are signs that the Setanta might not be around long enough for us to find out.

[Krstic]

How does it make it "ok"?:confused:

You tell me, you're the one who semi quoted a newspaper in some lame attempt to make the incident seem less sectarian.(As if the intended target would have been fair game due to his past) If that wasn't your intention why mention it.