Sinister Link Looms As IFA Slams City Centre Clashes

A man remains critically ill in hospital following violent disturbances in Belfast city centre on Saturday.

Conflicting reports continue, as some newspapers reported the men involved to be wearing Linfield soccer tops, while on BBC Radio Ulster this morning, two eyewitnesses - speaking on the Nolan Show - both agreed that the men all had black, zip-up tops and baseball caps, and spoke with either English or Scots accents.

It was also claimed that the men used 'Combat 18' National Front-style chants during the brutal attack. They were said to be carrying flick-out batons and using 'knuckle-dusters' while one donned goggles, apparently to conceal his identity.

The injured man, a 32-year-old, suffered head and neck injuries after the violence broke out at the Castle Street and King Street junction on the afternnon of the Irish Cup semi-final between Linfield and Cliftonville on Saturday.

The man, who was stabbed in the neck, is critically ill in intensive care, according to a spokesman for the Royal Victoria Hospital while another man who had also been treated for injuries has since been released.

A crowd of between 30 and 40 men descended on Cosgrave's bar and clashed with people in the bar who had been watching the Old Firm game.

The Irish Football Association (IFA) and Belfast City Council have condemned the disturbances. IFA President Raymond Kennedy said: "These are not the type of people we want following our games.

"We will be working with the police and I hope these people can be brought to book."

He is seeking a meeting with police chiefs after the attacks, which took place outside Cosgrave's bar.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Jim Rodgers also said: "I am appalled and sickened by this violence which has left a man fighting for his life."

The violence came only a few hours after Cliftonville manager Eddie Patterson was sent a bullet and a threatening letter in the post. The parcel was intercepted at Royal Mail's sorting office in Mallusk.

(JM)(BMcC)