IFA confirm plans for spectators to attend Irish Cup final being finalised

Yesterday’s NI Exective announcement stated supporters can go to outdoor sporting events “where the operator can control access and ensure adherence to social distancing”.

And the Association confirmed on Friday is working closely with the clubs remaining in the competition regarding the allocation of tickets both to players’ families and a small number of additional supporters.

The development is in line with the Northern Ireland Executive’s continued journey towards easing lockdown.

Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson said: “Safety is paramount. We will work to ensure all guidelines are followed and liaise closely with the clubs involved to ensure tickets are distributed responsibly and that those inside the stadium adhere to social distancing at all times.

“We will continue to work with clubs and leagues to interpret what the NI Executive guidelines mean for the game at all levels.”

Windsor Park will host behind-closed-doors semi-finals on Monday between Ballymena United and Coleraine then Glentoran and Cliftonville.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor