Northern Ireland

Former Northern Ireland women's international Billie Simpson bailed over Twelfth assault

Billie Simpson is a former player for Northern Ireland and Cliftonville.
Billie Simpson is a former player for Northern Ireland and Cliftonville. Billie Simpson is a former player for Northern Ireland and Cliftonville.
By Allan Preston

THE ex-Northern Ireland women’s football international Billie Simpson has been released on bail after being arrested over an assault on Sandy Row.

Viral footage had emerged after a Twelfth of July parade had passed through the loyalist area of south Belfast, showing an older man being knocked unconscious during a scuffle involving multiple people.

A number of those in the clip appear intoxicated while others can been seen helping the injured man.

Ms Simpson (31), who also played for Cliftonville, was arrested on Sunday after she had given an interview to a Sunday newspaper about the incident.

On Monday morning, the PSNI confirmed she had been released to allow for further police enquiries.

Well-known for her footballing career, Ms Simpson was once nominated for the 2019 FIFA Puskás world goal of the year during a Cliftonville match for a volley from her own half.

Working security at the Rangers Club on Sandy Row during the Twelfth celebrations, it was reported she became involved in the brawl after a customer was refused service.

Speaking to the Sunday Life, Ms Simpson said she now feared being forced to leave Sandy Row by the UDA.

“I’m not too sure I’m going to be put out of Sandy Row one day,” she said.

“I’ll tell my story and how they have tortured me  all my life down there.  My name was being put about on Twitter and Facebook.

 “People were tagging Northern Ireland  women and Cliftonville in it because I used to play for them," she said.

“I’m not too good after all this stuff I’m reading and seeing on social media. I’ve been trying to get hold of the full video.

“Apparently the UDA has a copy. I’m waiting to get the whole video from the bar and I’m waiting to hear back from the UDA if I’m under threat at the minute.”

Camera footage showed an altercation on Sandy Row where a man was knocked unconscious.
Camera footage showed an altercation on Sandy Row where a man was knocked unconscious. Camera footage showed an altercation on Sandy Row where a man was knocked unconscious.

Read more

Former Northern Ireland women's footballer fears UDA threat over Sandy Row brawl

Police aware of video showing south Belfast Twelfth altercation

Police have asked anyone who may have been in the area at the time and witnessed the assault, or anyone with footage who assist with the investigation, is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1494 of July 12.

Billie Simpson played for Northern Ireland and Cliftonville, and was once nominated for a goal of the year by Fifa. Picture, The Irish FA.
Billie Simpson played for Northern Ireland and Cliftonville, and was once nominated for a goal of the year by Fifa. Picture, The Irish FA. Billie Simpson played for Northern Ireland and Cliftonville, and was once nominated for a goal of the year by Fifa. Picture, The Irish FA.