FANS watched the first Irish League match of the season despite being told late on that supporters would not be permitted.
The GAA, Ulster Rugby and Northern Ireland Football League all hoped limited numbers could attend elite sports.
Confirmation from the Stormont executive was communicated about one hour before the first match.
Some fans were already inside the Coleraine Showgrounds with others waiting at the gates. Coleraine FC allowed them to stay on health and safety grounds.
Communities minister Carál Ní Chuilín revealed the news in a letter to sports bodies.
She said it was necessary to stop spectators from attending sporting events and "align the sector with the health regulations restricting the number of people permitted to gather for a common purpose, that figure is 15".
"This decision is in line with the views of the chief medical officer and chief scientific advisor, who have indicated that it would be unwise for large gatherings to take place at this time," she said.
"While I appreciate all the efforts that governing bodies and clubs have made to provide safe environments at recent fixtures, I do not think that given the challenges we all face that it is appropriate for those arrangements to continue."
Limited numbers of fans had been allowed to attend recent top level rugby and soccer matches in Belfast.
In GAA, the National League is due to begin today with Derry, Down and Armagh all at home.
Derry already announced both its football and hurling matches would be played behind closed doors.
