Today we should be reflecting on the outcome of one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the season.
We should be picking the bones from a massive North Belfast derby between the country’s top two teams.
We should be dedicating column inches to the title mettle of Cliftonville – or Crusaders’ never-say-die attitude.
Instead, we are conducting a depressing post-mortem into how Irish League football was backed into a corner by political interference.
Saturday’s protest outside Seaview robbed in the region of 2,500 supporters the chance to witness what could have been a defining fixture in this season’s Danske Bank Premiership.
The loyalist demonstration outside the ground prevented fans from reaching the Shore Road stadium, forcing the match to be called off at around 3.10pm.
Fans who had made it into Seaview were then forced to wait over an hour before being allowed to leave the ground.
It is hoped the rescheduled derby can be played without restriction.
Reports that the game could be staged at an alternative stadium or behind closed doors have been ruled out.
A source close to Cliftonville and Crusaders said: “Both clubs are of a mind to let the dust settle before they reach agreement on a new date for the game.
“At this stage, it is fair to say it is unlikely the derby will be played in the near future.
“While club officials at both clubs are saddened that outside influences could impact so negatively on the derby, they have been heartened by the support and solidarity shown by local clubs since Saturday.
“Football was the victim on Saturday. What we witnessed is a societal problem and the league as a whole is determined these issues aren’t allowed to further damage the game.”
FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce – who was at Seaview on Saturday – admitted there was “no other choice” but to postpone the game.
“There could have been far worse consequences outside the ground,” he said.
“This game will be played, make no mistake about that. These people won’t deter the good people in local football.
“It has robbed Crusaders of a good payday, and clubs need every penny they can get.
“Crusaders are good people and they have great relations with everyone in the local game.”
Both managers voiced their disappointment after Saturday’s postponement.
Crues boss Stephen Baxter said: “We went through a process from 1.30pm today where we were preparing, as Tommy (Breslin) was.
“Actually, we had been preparing all week, and then you get the call that the game won’t go ahead.
“So we are very disappointed.”
Reds manager Tommy Breslin added: “The two clubs work so hard together over many weeks. There is a friendly rivalry but it is healthy.
“Today was a massive game for both clubs and very important as far as the league is concerned.
“It is very disappointing it couldn’t go ahead.
“We were preparing our teams and getting ready for kick-off. What happened outside I can’t comment on as I didn’t see it.
“The two clubs almost mirror each other.
“Relations are good and the coaching staff get on with each other, as do the two chairmen.”
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