Linfield chairman Roy McGivern has expressed his satisfaction with the decision made by the Irish FA Appeals Board to lift a disciplinary sanction that would have resulted in a stadium closure for home fans during their game against Dungannon Swifts on August 17. He praised the Board for their “common sense” approach and highlighted the importance of addressing sectarianism in Irish League football.
The club had been facing disciplinary charges following incidents at the Irish Cup Final, where flares and sectarian chanting marred the event. Despite being fined £2,500 and given a one-game stadium ban, Linfield appealed the decision, arguing that they had no control over ticket sales and should not be punished for the actions of a minority of fans.
McGivern emphasized the need for the Irish FA to provide more support to clubs in tackling sectarianism, rather than just imposing fines and sanctions. He called for a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders to address the issue comprehensively.
The Appeals Board issued a series of recommendations to the Irish FA, including the introduction of sanction guidance for consistency in disciplinary decisions and enhanced support for clubs in eradicating sectarian behavior. They also emphasized the importance of proactive measures to remind spectators of respectful behavior and the consequences of engaging in discriminatory conduct.
Despite the challenges faced in combating sectarianism, the Appeals Board acknowledged the efforts made by the IFA and called for continual evaluation and enhancement of their approach to ensure inclusivity and fairness within the sport. They highlighted the need for a coordinated approach involving clubs, governing bodies, and community organizations to address the issue effectively.
Linfield’s ‘Blue Unity’ supporters’ group, known for their controversial behavior, were not in control of ticket sales for the Cup Final, which drew a record crowd in Northern Ireland. While the club successfully avoided a stadium closure for their upcoming game, they remain committed to preventing future sanctions by continuing their efforts in the season ahead.
In response to the decision, an Irish FA Spokesperson stated that they would consider the observations outlined in the Appeals Board’s decision and highlighted the ongoing education and awareness sessions conducted by the Irish FA Foundation to tackle sectarianism and discrimination in football.
Overall, the outcome of the appeal serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing sectarianism in football and the need for a collaborative and proactive approach to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all fans.