Linfield chairman Roy McGivern 'pleased that common sense has prevailed' after Blues win appeal against Irish Cup disciplinary sanctions
Linfield chairman Roy McGivern says he’s “pleased that common sense has prevailed” after the Blues successfully appealed disciplinary sanctions handed out after May’s Irish Cup final against Cliftonville at Windsor Park.
The South Belfast outfit were set to face a ground closure for home fans in next weekend’s Premiership clash against Dungannon Swifts – their first league match of the season at Windsor following Saturday’s opening fixture away to Ballymena United – but that will no longer be in place after the club confirmed on Friday the IFA Appeals Board “recognised the strenuous efforts made by the club to eradicate sectarianism and all other forms of spectator misconduct”.
A club statement read: “Linfield Football Club is pleased to announce that that our recent appeal against further disciplinary sanctions applied against the club has been successful.
“The IFA Appeals Board has recognised the strenuous efforts made by the club to eradicate sectarianism and all other forms of spectator misconduct. It also took into account that the club had no control over ticket sales or security arrangements for the Irish Cup Final in May.
“Whilst we have succeeded in ensuring that we are not facing a ground closure for home fans at our game against Dungannon Swifts on Saturday 17th August, it is imperative that we continue our efforts in the season ahead to avoid any future sanctions being imposed on the club.
“The club has repeatedly called on all of our supporters to refrain from the use of sectarian or racist chanting at our games and to avoid the use of pyrotechnics.
"Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and does nothing to promote the name of Linfield Football Club and we would again implore those involved to desist from such actions or to stay away from our games.”
McGivern said: “I am pleased that common sense has prevailed on this occasion. The club was forced to take a stand to protect our genuine and loyal fans from further sanctions and I have no doubt that they will continue working with us to prevent others from damaging the proud reputation of this club.
“I also particularly welcome the recommendations from the Appeals Board that the Irish Football Association should do more to support clubs in their efforts to eradicate sectarian behaviour and their call for a coordinated approach, ensuring that all stakeholders, including clubs, governing bodies, and community organisations, work together to tackle sectarianism comprehensively and consistently.
“We now look forward to the new season ahead with our loyal fans getting behind us home and away in the traditional Linfield manner to help this club in achieving further success.”