Cliftonville Football Club has hosted a seven-a-side tournament and a day of family entertainment to show solidarity with those affected by recent racially-motivated violence.
The eight teams taking part in the north Belfast club’s ‘Seeking Solitude’ event included locally-based players who hail originally from Palestine, Nigeria, Somalia and Iran.
The families of those taking part were invited to enjoy entertainment in the Cliftonville Social Club while the teams battled it out on the pitch throughout Sunday afternoon
Club director Michael Hegney said the event was about showing those who been targeted by recent violence that Ireland’s oldest football club, and the current Irish Cup holders, welcomed “people of all faiths, ethnic backgrounds and nationalities”.
“At this time, we want to send a message of unequivocal support and solidarity to those from other lands who have made Belfast their home and to people who have been the victims of racist abuse or who are living in fear because of the threat posed by an intolerant minority,” he said.
“This is a united response from the club which was fully endorsed at board level. We want to show that everybody is welcome at Cliftonville Football Club.”
