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Northern Ireland fans critical of crowd control measures in Rotterdam

Northern Ireland football fans have been critical of crowd control measures in place ahead of the...
Ben Finnegan
Ben Finnegan

17.29 11 Oct 2019


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Northern Ireland fans critical...

Northern Ireland fans critical of crowd control measures in Rotterdam

Ben Finnegan
Ben Finnegan

17.29 11 Oct 2019


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Northern Ireland football fans have been critical of crowd control measures in place ahead of their Euro 2020 qualifier against the Netherlands in Rotterdam.

In a statement, the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs said:

"The scenes outside the stadium on Thursday night were not only chaotic, but they were also dangerous and had the potential to become much more serious.

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"Fans were directed to the wrong entrance by stewards who appeared ill-informed. After queuing for some time, they were then sent to another set of turnstiles at a different part of the stadium.

"This led to several hundred fans being crowded into a confined area, which caused considerable anxiety.

"There were also issues with the scanning of tickets, which added to the problem. This was not a case of fans arriving late at the stadium, as many people were there more than an hour before kick-off.

"I have contacted the Irish Football Association and asked that an official complaint is made to the KNVB. We will also be working with our colleagues in the Football Supporters Europe network to raise the issue with UEFA."

The group's chairperson Gary McAllister has said that he has asked the IFA to issue a formal complaint over the fan's treatment.

 

Northern Ireland conceded two goals in injury time to lose to the Oranje 3-1 in Rotterdam last night. It now leaves them in third position in Group C, level on points with the Netherlands and 2014 world champions Germany.

The loss last night is a real blow to the side's chances of qualifying for a second European Championship in a row. Despite being level on points with the group's top seeds, Northern Ireland's inferior goal difference could prove decisive.

Next month they welcome the Netherlands to Windsor Park before traveling to Frankfurt to round out their qualification process against Germany.


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Euro 2020 Germany Michael O'Neill Netherlands Northern Ireland Oranje

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