Home fans only for Warrenpoint after Portadown match review

Warrenpoint Town officials have confirmed a decision to restrict matchday access only to home supporters following a review of last weekend’s Premiership game against Portadown.
Portadown players celebrate Stephen Murray's goal on Saturday against Warrenpoint Town. Pic by Pacemaker.Portadown players celebrate Stephen Murray's goal on Saturday against Warrenpoint Town. Pic by Pacemaker.
Portadown players celebrate Stephen Murray's goal on Saturday against Warrenpoint Town. Pic by Pacemaker.

Celebrations following Stephen Murray’s goal for the Ports in the 1-1 draw at Milltown included a number of players running over to the stands and some away supporters heading towards the players.

Under COVID-19 regulations designed to allow fans to attend elite-level Irish League fixtures, safety measures including social distancing have been put in place.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Warrenpoint released a statement confirming “this decision has not been taken lightly but we believe this is the right and responsible thing to do” and Board members also called on “the Government to support football clubs with the immediate allocation of funds for the loss of gate receipts”.

“The Board of Warrenpoint Town FC at a meeting to review the recent visit of Portadown FC to Milltown have decided to restrict match days to home support only,” included a Warrenpoint statement. “The Club had carried out a risk assessment, communicated to the visitors and put plans and procedures in place following all the protocols to allow supporters into the ground.

“However in the interest of the safety of the players, supporters and our community we need to review this decision with immediate effect and restrict match days to home supporters only.

“Although this will have a financial impact on the club at this time, the health of players and supporters and volunteers must come first.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A Portadown statement on Sunday confirmed “our players are constantly reminded of their responsibilities not only for themselves but also to the general community”.

“We are extremely disappointed with comments relating to the celebration of our goal against Warrenpoint Town FC,” included the Portadown statement. “Over the last number of weeks we as a club have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of both supporters and players.

“We have received numerous messages complimenting our measures and management of our home game against Coleraine last weekend.”