THE family of John Aughey, the Orangeman charged with two counts of attempted murder on the Crumlin Road on Monday, have called on people to desist from making "derogatory and sectarian comments" on social media.
A Facebook post read: "We, the family of John Aughey, want to thank everyone for their support and kind wishes sent to him and his family."
"We ask that people refrain from making derogatory and sectarian comments on social media as this is causing undue stress to all concerned."
Meanwhile, a loyalist party has said it is to hold a fundraising event in support of Mr Aughey.
In a posting, which has since been removed from their Facebook page, the Protestant Coalition said it was planning to host an event.
A date, time and venue have not been confirmed, but the group have asked for anyone "willing to donate prizes" to send them a private message.
At the time of its formation in 2013, the Protestant Coalition drew together a number of prominent flag protestors, including Willie Frazer and former BNP fundraiser Jim Dowson.
Mr Aughey (61) is accused of driving into a crowd at the Ardoyne shops on Monday evening.
During the incident, which occurred as an Orange parade passed back through the area, the car had to be lifted off 16 year old Phoebe Clawson by residents and police at the scene.
Ms Clawson suffered multiple injuries including a shattered pelvis.
On Tuesday, Mr Aughey was released on bail, under the terms of which he is banned from entering north Belfast and going within 500 metres of a procession, parade or protest.
