A GLENTORAN supporters club are set to boycott this weekend’s Belfast derby meeting with Cliftonville in protest of the latter’s plans to donate a fraction of ticket sales to help the refugee crisis.
As hosts of the match, Cliftonville have decided to collect £1 from every £10 ticket sold, but the 1st East Belfast Glentoran Supporters Club have taken exception to this.
In a statement released online, a representative said: “...we as a club have pulled out from attending this weekend’s match and running a bus due to fans not having a say in where the money is being donated or the option to donate.”
Proof that a boycott is under way from Glentoran fans, objecting to £1 per punter going to refugee appeal. pic.twitter.com/ri28Vf6P9Z
— Smitty (@Desmond_Funk) September 14, 2015
However, Glentoran FC have distanced themselves from the protest and are planning to arrange their own means of aid after Saturday's game, which kicks off at 3pm at Solitude, north Belfast.
A Glentoran spokesman told The Irish News: "The Board of Directors is exploring available options through which the club and its supporters can contribute to help the position of those caught up in the refugee crisis.
"We know this is what Glentoran supporters would want. An announcement will be made before our next home league game."
Meanwhile, Cliftonville fans were dealt a blow with the shock resignation of Tommy Breslin as manager on Tuesday.
Breslin guided the Reds to eight trophies in four years, including two league titles, becoming the club's most successful manager. The news followed Cliftonville's 6-1 loss at Ballymena United last weekend.
We will donate £1 to the #90MinsForHope appeal on behalf of every paying adult v Glentoran. http://t.co/KpopB9yF4Q pic.twitter.com/MHNnDlEYJV
— Cliftonville FC (@cliftonvillefc) September 13, 2015
