'Windsor Park is a cold house for Irish nationalists' - Sinn Fein hit out at IFA over decision to play 'God Save the Queen' before Irish cup final clash

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has questioned the decision of the IFA board to refuse a request by Cliftonville Football Club that the British national anthem, God Save the Queen, should not be played before the Irish Cup Final this Saturday.

He said:“The decision by the IFA to play the British national anthem, God Save the Queen, at Windsor Park this Saturday before the Irish Cup Final, is yet another example of that organisation making Windsor Park a cold house for Irish nationalists.

“In 2013 Cliftonville reached the Irish Cup Final and the British national anthem was not played. The IFA at the time said this decision was about fostering a ‘politically neutral environment’.

“Now here we are in May 2018 and the IFA have refused a request by Cliftonville Football Club for the British national anthem not to be played at Windsor Park at the Irish Cup Final this Saturday.

“It looks like the IFA have made the decision that a politically neutral environment at Windsor Park is not for them. What does this say for the IFA’s attitude towards Irish nationalists living in this part of Ireland?

“This is a disappointing decision and Sinn Féin is calling on the IFA to review this immediately and reverse this decision ahead of Saturday’s Irish Cup Final.”