THE organisers of a Celtic fanzone at a west Belfast pub have withdrawn an application for £15,000 of council funding for the event.
In an email to Belfast City Council, Féile an Phobail said it "will not be used as a political football".
It follows criticism from some councillors of plans to give around £15,000 towards the fanzone at the Devenish Complex during Celtic's match against Linfield.
Funding for the facility during this evening's Champions League clash at Windsor Park was approved at a recent West Belfast Police and Community Safety Partnership (PSCP) meeting.
Unionist councillors had called for the funding to be withdrawn, while the SDLP branded it a "gross misuse of ratepayers' money".
But Sinn Féin councillor Matt Garrett, who tabled the proposal at the PSCP meeting, said it was "about creating a secure environment for people to watch the match".
Celtic opted against taking its ticket allocation for the game, which was moved from July 11 amid security concerns.
In his email to the council, Féile director Kevin Gamble said: "We have since reviewed the need for this funding and after consultation with our stakeholders and with the support of local businesses we no longer require additional funding to deliver the fanzone.
"Féile will not be used as a political football despite attempts by some in the media and those politically opposed to the community values Féile upholds."
Mr Gamble said that among its aims, the fanzone was to "reduce tension and build-up of crowds at key interfaces" and "encourage people without tickets to stay away from Windsor Park".
"In terms of suitable venues in west Belfast, the Devenish Complex was the best option," he said.
"Féile secured the support of local businesses, elected representatives, statutory bodies and critically, those organisations who work tirelessly to reduce tensions at interfaces. Subsequently we requested and secured financial support from West Belfast DPCSP."
A Belfast City Council spokesman said: "We have been advised by Feile that they wish to withdraw their application for funding."
