Disturbances Northern Ireland v Poland Football Match
28 Mar 2009
Commenting on the disturbance both before and after the Northern Ireland v Poland match at Windsor Park football ground today (Saturday 28 March), Superintendent Chris Noble, B District (South and East Belfast) said:
"It is important that those responsible for this unacceptable behaviour, the injury of police officers and the wanton destruction of property should be brought to justice at the earliest opportunity. My team will be collating and analysing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators and bring them before the courts.
"My officers came under attack from bottles, bricks, fireworks and other missiles. At this stage we have reports of eleven officers injured. A number of fans both Northern Ireland and Polish supporters also received a number of injuries some of these required hospital treatment.
" Nine people so far have been arrested for a range of offences including public order offences and are currently helping police with their enquiries. A number of homes were attacked and these are being treated as racially motivated incidents."
Superintendent Noble said, "I condemn the behaviour of the so called supporters of football who have destroyed what should have been an enjoyable evening for all supporters and have tarnished the reputation of genuine law abiding football supporters.
"We believe there was a hard core of Polish nationals who came to the game without tickets but with a very clear intent to cause trouble and disruption to genuine supporters and local residents. We believe these troublemakers are not local; they have travelled to Northern Ireland with the express purpose of causing trouble. Unfortunately their actions may well have put the safety of law abiding and local Polish residents in jeopardy. I would appeal to all right minded people to assist these neighbours and unite with them to condemn this type of behaviour and isolate the perpetrators of this type of criminality.
"I would urge members of the public not to get involved in any reprisals and to remain calm. Anyone with information about the events of this afternoon and evening should contact their local police immediately on 0845 600 8000. Information can also be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."
"Finally I would commend the local community representatives for their assistance in cooling tensions within the area and who continue in their efforts to restore calm. I also commend my officers for their dedication and professionalism this evening in some very difficult circumstances."
