10 March 2003

Politicians condemn Old Firm rioting in Londonderry

Unionist and nationalist politicians have condemned the rioting in Londonderry on Saturday following a televised Rangers versus Celtic football match.

Rival supporters clashed after Celtic beat Rangers in the Old Firm derby at Parkhead.

More than 30 youths were involved in the trouble in which a woman suffered a gash to the head and a teenager sustained cuts to his face.

Initial scuffles started in the city centre before moving to Ferryquay Gate.

DUP assembly member William Hay said trouble between Old Firm fans was a continuing problem, "but there are people who use the situation for their own sectarian ends".

Mary Bradley, an SDLP councillor said neither clubs wanted this type of supporter following them.

She added: "As a genuine football supporter I don't think that people should let things like this happen. It is dragging the name of our city down."

Both sets of clubs have thousands of supporters across Northern Ireland and are supported along sectarian lines.

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