A new breed of rock star: quietly Christian...
Click the link for an interesting article from the Guardian

Linfield's official statement on yesterday's shameful events...
Nothing can excuse the disgraceful and violent behaviour of a section of the massive crowd at Saturday’s ‘Big Two’ game at the Oval:

-not the inadequacy of the stadium
-not the inadequacy of Health and Safety measures
-not the inadequacy of stewarding and security

Yes all of these and more were contributory but the primary inadequacy is in the mentality of these people who attach themselves to the game of football here. These are not club supporters. They are ‘adherents’ sticking themselves to genuine supporters like lice and like the same are almost impossible to eradicate. They have been around since the game evolved.

The Chief Executive of the IFA Mr Howard Wells is right to demand a full enquiry and report. There are probably many who could write it for him with little further investigation. We have seen these affrays by this sub-cultural lot many times before.

So in examining the circumstances and taking any necessary action against the clubs let the powers that be not loose sight of who are the victims and who are the perpetrators. It is high time all available evidence was applied rigorously and urgently to bring the offenders through the Criminal Justice System. When did we last see such action? And while we visit this area, surely it is time to introduce the Football (Offences and Disorder) Act here in Northern Ireland.

For those who set off on a beautiful spring afternoon to enjoy an entertainment and ended up injured, intimidated, offended and upset we must take firm action. Any persons involved in this most serious event and identified by the police or club authorities as coming from the 'Linfield end', will face a lifetime ban from the club.

This simply cannot happen again.

LFC Media Committee