Cliftonville Football Club have released a statement condemning the disorder that followed their Irish Cup final defeat to Dungannon Swifts.

Police made a number of arrests in south Belfast after the showpiece final at Windsor Park.

It came after Dungannon Swifts lifted the Irish Cup for the first time in their history at the National Stadium.

The disorder that followed saw police come under attack while escorting fans from Windsor Park.

A statement from the Reds said: "Cliftonville Football Club wish to address the incidents reported pre and post the Clearer Water Irish Cup Final at Windsor Park on Saturday.

"Ahead of the Final, Cliftonville FC fully engaged with all the relevant authorities on several occasions and cooperated on matters over which the Club had control or responsibility.

"The Club’s position was made clear in our statement of April 28 and this was communicated across all our social media platforms providing advice to those intending to attend the Final. Our position was also reported widely by several news organisations.

"To be clear, the Club condemns all those responsible for the disorderly behaviour that occurred.

"We are conscious that our genuine supporters were inadvertently caught up in the post-match events through no fault of their own and that those involved were a small minority of those attending the game.

"We will be seeking to meet with the relevant authorities in the coming days to discuss all these events, as well as reflecting our supporters’ concerns over the policing operation that took place on Saturday."

Police in Belfast charged a 52-year-old man following public disorder in the Broadway roundabout area. He has been charged with disorderly behaviour and is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 30. Two teenagers who were also arrested have been released to be reported to the Youth Diversion Officer.

The PSNI said that whilst the majority of football fans attending yesterday’s Irish Cup Final behaved in a peaceful manner, a small minority chose to engage in criminal activity, resulting in public disorder in the vicinity of Broadway Roundabout at approximately 5.30pm.

Items were thrown at police and at least eight officers were injured during the course of the policing operation, although all remained on duty. Police remained in the area to monitor the situation and prevent any further escalation.

Three arrests were made in total, including two for disorderly behaviour, and one arrest of a juvenile for possession of a flare. Five cautions were also issued for possession of fireworks and will be followed up with reports to the Public Prosecution service.

In an update on Sunday, Belfast City Chief Inspector Mark Conway said: “The vast majority of fans were there to enjoy the match however we will not tolerate disruption, disorder or criminal behaviour of any kind.

“As always we will continue to work with football clubs to address any criminal activity linked to people attending matches and ensure that supporters are kept safe.”

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