CHELSEA fans attending Wednesday's Uefa Super Cup match at Winsdor Park in Belfast are facing online criticism after some took part in a loyalist band parade ahead of kick-off.
Something that really only could happen in Northern Ireland. Surely first time @ChelseaFC fans have been led to a match by a loyalist flute band. On way to #UEFASuperCup final against #Villareal @rtenews @RTEsport @dohertypj @G_Broadcast pic.twitter.com/qlQo9wFoBW
— Vincent Kearney (@vincekearney) August 11, 2021
Footage shared online shows a large crowd of fans in Chelsea colours following a loyalist flute band as it marched through south Belfast streets towards the stadium where the match with Spanish La Liga team Villareal took place.
Fans carried a flag proclaiming 'Portadown Chelsea Loyal' alongside union flags and banners, and in a Tweet on Thursday, RTÉ News' northern editor Vincent Kearney posted footage of the march, writing: "Something that could really only happen in Northern Ireland."
However, some criticised the marchers for not wearing masks or following Covid restrictions.
