Civic reception for Northern Ireland football team fined by IFA for pro-IRA chants to go ahead despite Unionist opposition

The footage, which has been reviewed by the Irish Football Association and resulted in Coalisland Athletic FC being fined £250, came in the aftermath of the club’s 4-1 victory over Bangor Young Men in the junior cup final at the National Stadium at Windsor Park on May 2.

Speaking at the council’s monthly meeting DUP Councillor Clement Cuthbertson praised the club’s “good sporting achievement” but said he was unaware of an apology for the actions captured in the video.

He called on the council to postpone a civic reception for the club until such time as an apology is forthcoming.

“Unfortunately, the success on the field was overshadowed in the team bus,” said the DUP councillor. “This has been widely circulated in the media. The team members were chanting pro-IRA slogans and glorifying terrorism.

“The Irish Football Association has investigated this and fined the club £250. I am not aware of an apology from the club though I stand to be corrected.

“Given that, I would propose any civic reception is put on hold until an apology is widely circulated for the people of the district to see. I think it would be unwise to proceed with a civic reception with this dark cloud hanging over the whole thing.

“I think it would be good to get an apology first before the civic reception will happen.”

Council’s Chair, Councillor Paul McLean explained the request has been screened against the council’s policy and is fit to proceed on that basis but said he would listen to the will of the chamber to determine the best way forward.

Ulster Unionist Party group leader, Councillor Walter Cuddy said Cllr Cuthbertson made a good point and claimed the fact the club had not offered up an apology was “wrong”.

“For us to pretend it didn’t happen or