Glentoran have released a video encouraging supporters to be on their best behaviour in one of the most exciting title run-ins in many years.
The short movie, entitled ‘Be Loud, Do us Proud’, was released by the Oval club ahead of Saturday’s Irish Cup second round tie with Queen’s University at the Dub.
It also comes in the wake of recent concerns around spectator conduct at a number of Irish League fixtures and the growing potential for serious IFA sanctions against a number of clubs moving forward.
The Glens video includes contributions from Mick McDermott and key players including club captain Marcus Kane, Conor McMenamin, Rory Donnelly, Robbie McDaid and Aaron McCarey.
The thrust of the message is a positive one and talks up the East Belfast club’s ‘12th man’, but it also carries a warning that there’ll be “no 12th man if we get a ban”.
At the end of the movie, supporters are urged to refrain from:-
- Throwing items/articles capable of causing injury.
- Indecent, sectarian or discriminatory chanting.
- Entering the playing area at local grounds.
- Possession of fireworks, smoke bombs, flares etc
- Possession of alcohol on prescribed vehicles/buses.
The Glentoran video is a welcome development and boss McDermot says he is "fully supportive of any campaign that backs the ongoing progress of local football and the NI Football League".
He added: “The Irish League is in a really good place at the moment and there’s a growing interest and passion for the game here.
“It’s a very exciting league this season, attendances are up and there are a lot of massive games on the horizon.
“I believe this video puts out a positive message and I know other clubs are on the same page as us. We all want to ensure the Irish League stays on track for what I believe is a bright future.”
The Glentoran video comes in the light of concerns that the Irish FA Disciplinary Committee may order games behind closed doors if incidents of crowd misbehaviour persist.
There have been incidences of objects being thrown at a number of games this season and spectators also entering the playing area.
It has been widely reported that the IFA will come down hard on clubs if "things continue to get out of control."
Linfield, Glentoran, Cliftonville and Coleraine have all been charged and fined for breaches of Article 33 of the IFA’s disciplinary code in recent weeks and months.
Ballymena United are also facing two charges after a much-publicised incident involving supporters at the end of the Braid club’s recent festive derby with Coleraine.
On the video, Glentoran players deliver the following message:
“You’ve been our 12th man;
“We feel your energy, we hear your roar, you drive us on;
“'Come on Ye Glens', there’s nothing better.
“No 12th man if we get a ban;
“Show us you pride, show us your passion;
“Be loud and do us proud.”
