Belfast Football Clashes Erupt in Riots

0:00It's April 6, I'm Cory with the story. This is Europe News Today, driven by AI and built for the continent. Tensions are boiling over in South Bill fast after chaos erupted Friday night before Cliftonville FC's Irish Cup semi-final against Dungan and Swift's at Windsor Park. Around 200 fans on an approved parade hurled fireworks, bottles and eggs, sparking riots that injured nine police officers and struck a child. A 19-year-old man's now charged with riotous behavior and other offenses. This isn't the first time disorder hit the same spot during last year's Cup Final. A assembly speaker Edwin Putes, the DUP MLA for the area, says locals are fed up after two years of complaints. He blames lighter policing this time around, pointing to chance of IRA slogans and sectarian songs as the last straw. Residents are hugely angry, according to Putes, and he's warning they might block the road themselves next time Cliftonville fans show up.

1:02Meanwhile, Jim Boyce, former IFA president and Cliftonville patron called the fan antics disgusting and said, block and streets ain't the answer finding Putes' words a bit disturbing. Police and riot gear held the line, but the PSNIs clear they won't tolerate any criminal behavior at matches. They stressed most fans just wanted to enjoy the game, and they're working with clubs to keep communities safe moving forward. With history repeating and calls for action from all sides, expect tighter security or even resident pushback at future Windsor Park clashes, bail fast. Football has got some serious scores to settle.