Ahead of tonight’s massive UEFA Champions League tie against HJK Helsinki at Solitude, the Police Service of Northern Ireland have asked us to share the following the message with supporters:
‘Police are requesting that Larne fans travelling by car and coach to the UEFA Champions League Qualifier being played at Solitude on Wednesday 19th March 23 at 7.30pm leave sufficient travel time in order to arrive at the stadium in plenty of time.
Those supporters traveling by car, should park in the general area of Knutsfords, Cardigan Drive, Westland area and please be considerate when parking close to entrances of private houses in order to allow their access.
The area in the immediate vicinity of the stadium is a busy residential and commercial area.
Motorists are asked that if you are driving to the match, please park with consideration for the local community/residents and businesses. Traffic congestion is likely at key ingress and egress times due to the expected volume of supporters attending the fixture.
Coaches are advised to travel from Cliftonville Circus direction towards the ground as this allows the drop off supporters on the Cliftonville Road which is the same side of the road as the entrance to Solitude. Coaches are then advised to park up in Clifton Park Avenue (CPA) for the duration of the match. CPA is currently showing as road closed/no access from Cliftonville Road however there is access as far as Girdwood community hub. Coaches should park up facing towards the Cliftonville Road. If there is extra time etc coach drivers will be advised by police. Prior to the end of the match coaches will be brought forward by police and stacked up in single file outside the ground for ease of Larne supporters leaving the area.
Police are reminding all fans that there are specific offences created by the Criminal Justice Act NI 2011 in relation to soccer matches –
- Possession of/ throwing Fireworks/ Flares etc
- Throwing Articles capable of causing injury
- Going on to the Playing area
- Sectarian Chanting
- Drinking on Passenger Carrying Vehicles
In addition all fans are reminded that the areas around Solitude are “No Street Drinking” zones under Belfast City Council By-Laws. Any Street drinking taking place will be dealt with robustly by police and any alcohol found subject to seizure.
As a condition of entry to the stadium fans will be subject to random searches.
Maximum Use of CCTV/ Video Evidence will be utilised as part of the match Policing Operation in an effort to deal with any criminal offences/anti-social behaviour which takes place.
Police will take all steps to identify and deal with anyone who has been or is committing offences.
It is hoped that a common sense approach to the event can be taken by all and the occasion enjoyed. It is vitally important for supporter and community safety that these instructions are complied with.’
