​Linfield ‘took leave of senses’ by welcoming Leo Varadkar to Windsor Park: Jamie Bryson

Mr Bryson said: “[It] shows he hasn’t learnt any lessons from his destructive behaviour during Brexit, in which he used the prospect of IRA bombs for political leverage.”

In 2018 the Irish premier used newspaper article about an IRA bombing of a customs post when addressing EU leaders.

Mr Bryson said: “Who does he think he is coming to NI, foolishly facilitated by Linfield FC, to issue threats and ultimatums. He has once again ratcheted up anger and tension in the unionist and particularly the loyalist community. If he wants to ‘reach out’ he can come to Northern Ireland, beg forgiveness for his waving around pictures of IRA bombs, withdraw his support for the Union-subjugating Protocol and recognise what a destructive figure he has been.”

Mr Bryson went on to accuse Linfield FC of “stupidly facilitated and feted” him: “[They] have plainly taken leave of their senses – to use Windsor Park as the base for his latest aggressive inflammatory intervention.

“It’s time Varadkar remained within his own lane, which, for the avoidance of doubt, is called the Republic of Ireland.”

Linfield chairman Roy McGivern said: “We are an open and inclusive club at all levels and this was an opportunity to highlight the outreach work of our club right across all sections of the community.”