§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken by the Police Service for Northern Ireland to ensure that Windsor Park is maintained as a neutral sporting venue free from sectarian and racist activities. [172284]
§ Mr. PearsonThe primary responsibility for ensuring Windsor Park is maintained as a neutral sporting venue free from sectarian and racist activities rests with Linfield Football Club in regard to local matches and the Irish Football Association for international games. The Police Service of Northern Ireland work closely these organisations in developing a safe environment for all spectators.
Operationally, the PSNI role focuses on crime and disorder outside the ground, and on occasions the deployment of officers if crowd violence occurs.
It is pleasing to note that the atmosphere during recent international matches has been good with an absence of sectarian and racist chanting. The PSNI believe that this is, in no small part, due to the excellent work carried out by Community Relations officials attached to the Irish Football Association.