Stone-throwing lunacy must not detract from great night for sport

11.06.14am GMT Tue 21st Feb 2006

Castlereagh Alliance Councillor Michael Long has said incidents of stone-throwing against Derry City fans in Drumahoe must not detract from an otherwise great night for sport.

Speaking after Derry City's Setanta Cup game against Linfield at Windsor Park, Cllr Long stated: "The night itself at Windsor Park was a great night for the sport in Ireland. We should reflect that the game itself passed off peacefully, and all sides were delighted with the evening.

"We must not allow the moronic behaviour of people well away from the stadium and well away from football to detract from the success of the event. Precisely what did those who attacked the buses hope to achieve? What point do they think they proved?

"Regardless of what happened in Drumahoe, both clubs and the organizers of the competition deserve great credit. The Setanta Cup has unquestionably been a very progressive step forward for club football in both jurisdictions, and football fans in the north will no doubt look forward to many more clashes between Derry City and Irish League clubs."