Cliftonville Football Club condemns 'reckless' Irish Cup disorder

Cliftonville Football Club has condemned the violent disorder which happened around a football match in south Belfast on Friday night. Nine police officers were injured and a child was hit by a bottle, before the Irish Cup semi-final at Windsor Park, where Cliftonville lost to Dungannon Swifts. A 19-year-old man was later charged with riotous behaviour, doing a provocative act, possession of fireworks/flares at a regulated match, indecent behaviour and attempted criminal damage. Police said most fans behaved in a peaceful manner at the pre-match procession In a statement the club's management committee said its officials did not witness any "major incidents" before the game, but condemned reports that a small number of youths had been "involved in throwing objects and fireworks at police at Broadway". "All such incidents of violence are to be condemned and should form no part of any sporting event, at any time or any place," it said. "It was also apparent that, regrettably, some amongst our fanbase brought fireworks and other pyrotechnics into the stadium." The club said it opposes the practice and will continue to work with security officials to address the issue. It added it want