Thursday night game Between Larne and Shamrock Rovers, A historic European clash at Windsor Park in Belfast (the usual home of Linfield and the Northern Ireland national team) was marred by sectarian chants from some supporters. These events highlight the ongoing tensions between the two communities, Catholic and Protestant, Irish and Northern Irish.

Shameful sectarianism from @ShamrockRovers Tonight in Belfast @UEFAConfLeague@UEFAcom #Hatepic.twitter.com/tytuBk9Ct6

— I Live (@Javaudria) October 24, 2024

Political songs that cloud the atmosphere

Reports suggest chants referencing the IRA and the late Queen Elizabeth rose in the stands during the first half. The Ds slogans came to remind us of the deep-rooted political and religious divisions in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In the afternoon, some of the Rovers supporters – who had spent the day in the republican district of Falls Road – marched in the colors of the Republic of Ireland with balaclavas on their heads, including loyalists from nearby enclaves (you have to cross part of it to get to Windsor Stadium).

Shamrock Rovers thugs make their way through Belfast wearing balaclavas.

Had it been Linfield or Glentoran fans there would have been outrage, and I suspect PSNI action.

Why are these national bandits given special treatment? pic.twitter.com/5d4lAedS01

— Jamie Bryson (@JamieBrysonCPNI) October 25, 2024

On a sporting level, Shamrock Rovers dominated the match and won by a final score of 4-1. The team took a clear lead from the first half through goals from Josh Honohan and Jonny Kenny and an own goal from Larne defender Thomas Cosgrove. Larne tried to come back in the second half through Chris Gallagher, but Graham Burke sealed victory for the visitors with Shamrock Rovers' fourth goal.

Record attendance and enhance security

More than 1,600 Shamrock Rovers fans traveled to Belfast to watch the UEFA League Conference match, while around 5,000 Larne supporters supported their team. A heavy police presence has been put in place around the stadium to prevent overcrowding. The authorities were particularly wary of the symbolic intensity of this competition, pitting the Northern Irish champions against the champions of the Republic of Ireland in a progressive phase of European competition.

The meeting marked the first European encounter between the two champion clubs from Ireland.

UEFA has been asked to comment on these sectarian incidents.

The incident highlights the political divisions and historical tensions that exist on both sides of the island.