Cliftonville FC's Irish Cup semi-final hopes were dashed as they lost to Dungannon Swifts. The match was marred by disorder before the game, with nine police officers and a child injured. The disorder, which happened before the Irish Cup semi-final at Windsor Park, saw fireworks, flares and bottles thrown. A 19-year-old man has been arrested. It happened during an approved public procession ahead of the match, which involved about 250 people. Police said most people behaved peacefully but they saw 'provocative conduct and the heavy use of pyrotechnics and fireworks - despite various warnings being issued against this'. The Parades Commission determination had placed conditions on a procession, applied for by some Cliftonville supporters, before it went ahead. Jim Boyce, Honorary Life President of the IFA and patron of Cliftonville F.C said he was 'disgusted' by the behaviour seen on Friday night. 'I have been at Cliftonville for 75 years and have had a lot of messages from good Cliftonville fans who are disgusted that a small element has, once again, besmirched the good name of the club,' he told BBC News NI. 'I haven't missed a game this year and watch them every Saturday. Once we get to a final or semi-final there is an element that comes out and causes problems for Cliftonville FC,' he added. 'They're doing it in the name of Cliftonville FC but they aren't supporters. The next couple of games we play they won't be there. 'I would appeal to them to stay away as they aren't true supporters,' he added.
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Cliftonville FC Suffers Loss in Irish Cup Semi-Final
Cliftonville FC's Irish Cup semi-final hopes were dashed as they lost to Dungannon Swifts. The match was marred by disorder before the game, with nine police officers and a child injured.
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