FOOTBALL: Kerr not concerned by Dublin trip
CHAIRMAN Jim Kerr insists Linfield will take "every precaution" to ensure the safety of their fans when they travel to Bohemians in the semi-finals of the Setanta Sports Cup.
Glentoran's clash with Bohs at the weekend was marred by ugly clashes between supporters and Irish police, prompting concerns over the Blues' trip to Dalymount Park on April 3.
But yesterday Kerr admitted he doesn't expect any trouble when the Windsor Park club makes the trek to Dublin.
"We will be holding a safety meeting with both Bohemians and the Garda well in advance of the game at Dalymount Park," he said.
"We did a similar exercise prior to our recent game against St Patrick's Athletic in Dublin. We took 700 fans to that game and there wasn't any trouble, and I don't anticipate any this time round at Bohemians.
"We had problems before down at St Patrick's and we have learned from them."
Kerr expects a "large contingent" of Linfield fans to travel to Dalymount Park for the first leg clash next month.
"It depends on what allocation we get, but with Dublin being so accessible nowadays then I hope we get a good crowd," he added.
"It promises to be a great occasion, and we have a good working relationship with the Garda and would expect that to continue."
Glentoran officials hit out at what they called "heavy-handed" police force following exchanges with their fans.
It was reported that Garda officers intervened when a supporter attempted to erect a Northern Ireland flag at the stadium.
Fighting broke out and a number of arrests were made.
Linfield chairman Kerr added: "I was surprised to see such trouble erupting. I don't know if Glentoran conducted a security review beforehand, but it is something that is imperative for fixtures like these.
"We do it for contentious fixtures up here so it has to be done for Setanta games."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
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