Foyle MLA says IFA have failed to justify British national anthem 'u-turn’

The Irish Football Association (IFA) has yet to adequately explain or justify its controversial decision to play the British national anthem at the Irish Cup final earlier this month, says Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney.

The Foyle MLA was commenting after a Sinn Féin delegation met with the IFA Chief Executive.

He said: “The Sinn Féin delegation reiterated our concerns regarding the final on May 5th and the IFA’s decision to play the British national anthem in spite of a request from Cliftonville FC not to do so.

“This was a direct reversal of the arrangements that were in place in 2013 when Cliftonville last reached the Irish Cup Final and the anthem was not played. On that occasion, the IFA said they were committed to fostering a ‘politically neutral environment’.

“The decision to reverse that commitment was wrong and sends a clear message to the nationalist community that Windsor Park – a publicly funded stadium – is not for them.”

Mr McCartney went on to say: “We do not believe that the IFA have adequately explained or justified this decision and they failed to do so again today.

“Sinn Féin are now seeking a meeting with the Board members who took the decision to explain to them first-hand the impact it has had on the wider nationalist community.”