Negotiations under way over how many spectators can watch NI match

Communities Minister Caral Ni Chuilin was questioned on the matter by DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley at the Assembly on Tuesday.

He described the match against Slovakia as a “much-needed morale boost in bleak times” and urged that the maximum number of fans be permitted to attend “to cheer on our wee country”.

Ms Ni Chuilin said she wanted to ensure the game was as “stress-free as possible” for fans.

“I have spoken to the Irish FA, I am waiting on Belfast City Council, as they are the licencing authority.

“I want to make this game as stress-free as possible, not only for the team but for the supporters.

“So I will do what I can to ensure the maximum amount of supporters under the current restrictions are able to go to Windsor Park.”

Last month, IFA chief executive Patrick Nelson said he believed 600 to 1,000 fans could be safely accommodated in the National Stadium at Windsor Park within the current regulations for the crunch November 12 clash.

Mr Buckley pressed the minister on how many fans might be likely to allowed to attend the match.

“I don’t want to get into speculation, because I want to respect the IFA and I want to respect Belfast City Council and indeed the work of Sport NI and my department,” Ms Ni Chuilin responded.

“Just to give the member assurance, we want the game to be as stress-free as possible and to have a number of spectators there within safe, social distancing and within the guidelines, and I will do what I can to make that happen for them.”

Ms Ni Chuilin was involved in a row last month over spectator attendance at sporting fixtures during the current four-week circuit break.

The regulations do not prevent fans attending elite sporting events in limited numbers. However, Ms Ni Chuilin appealed to the main governing bodies to play games behind closed doors.

First Minister Arlene Foster has insisted supporters should be allowed, branding any suggestion to the contrary “preposterous”.

The difference of opinion between Mrs Foster and Ms Ni Chuilin flared on Friday October 16 when fans were already inside the Coleraine Showgrounds for the opening fixture of the domestic Irish Premiership season.

At Northern Ireland’s last home game – which was prior to the current circuit break being introduced – 600 fans watched the 1-0 defeat to Austria in the Uefa Nations League.

The GAA already moved to stop spectators attending games before the latest restrictions were introduced, while Ulster Rugby will also play its home games behind closed doors until Stormont reviews the measures again in mid-November.

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