Alliance welcomes probe into security at Brandywell match

12.00.00am GMT Wed 23rd Feb 2005

ALLIANCE Sports Spokesperson Councillor Michael Long has said that questions must be raised about the policing of last night's Brandywell football match between Linfield and Derry City.

Cllr Long stated:

"I welcome the fact that the PSNI is to investigate what went wrong, because the lack of policing in the right place at the right time meant that some fans - who had enjoyed a peaceful night up until that point - were not protected properly.

"Sadly, the disgraceful conduct of a few fans spoiled what seemed to otherwise be a good night. I sincerely hope this won't detract from future efforts to build better relations between clubs.

"While this was a serious incident, it could have been much worse. Nevertheless, fans and children on the buses could have easily been hurt, and that is contemptible."