Lifetime ban for man who sang sectarian songs at Linfield match

By Adam Evans

Linfield have issued a lifetime ban to a man from Belfast for singing sectarian songs during the away Champions League Qualifier against Celtic.

The Club haven't named the man - but we understand he's in his late 40s.

He's been fined £300 at court in Glasgow.

In a full statement the club say:

"At Monday's scheduled Board Meeting the Directors of Linfield Football Club issued a lifetime ban to an individual convicted of a criminal offence in Glasgow during the away leg of our Champions League tie against Celtic.

"All indications so far are that this individual was neither a Club Member nor a season ticket holder and we have begun an investigation to establish how they were able to obtain a match ticket. 

"We continue to cooperate with the Police Service of Northern Ireland over the events of the first leg and are hopeful that individuals who have now been identified will shortly appear before the courts. 

"Linfield note that the local courts have the power to issue banning orders against individuals convicted of criminal offences in football stadia and would be fully supportive of such punishments being invoked in the event of convictions arising from this match."