Police urge football supporters to ‘respect others’ as new season gets underway

Irish Football Association Chief Operating Officer Graham Fitzgerald, Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Belfast Area Commander Chief Superintendent Amanda Ford, Superintendent Mark Conway and Irish Football Association Chief Executive Patrick Nelson met at the National Stadium to reinforce a shared commitment to a safe and positive season.

Football supporters across Northern Ireland are being urged to help keep matchdays safe and peaceful as the 2026/27 season gets underway, with police warning there will be “no place for violence, disorder, abuse or pyrotechnics”.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has issued the message at the beginning of the new campaign, calling on fans to enjoy the passion and atmosphere of football while respecting other supporters, local residents and communities around stadiums.

The appeal also covers fan marches, searches at grounds, parking and behaviour on matchdays.

Police and IFA reinforce safety message

Belfast Area Commander Chief Superintendent Ford and Superintendent Mark Conway met Irish Football Association Chief Executive Patrick Nelson and Chief Operating Officer Graham Fitzgerald at the National Stadium to reinforce what police described as a shared commitment to a safe and positive season.

Chief Superintendent Ford said:

“We want supporters to enjoy the passion and atmosphere of matchdays, but to do so legally, safely and peacefully.

“There is no place for violence, disorder, abuse or pyrotechnics at football. Supporters should cooperate with search regimes and follow the directions of stewards and police.

“Where notified fan marches take place legally, participants must comply with the law and show consideration for local residents and communities.”

Fans urged to plan journeys and respect residents

Police are also asking those travelling to games to leave enough time for their journeys and to think about the impact of matchday traffic and parking on people living close to football grounds.

Chief Superintendent Ford added:

“Those attending matches are advised to allow sufficient travel time for their journey and to be mindful of local residents in the area of our stadiums for considerate parking and respectful behaviour.”

The message applies to supporters attending fixtures across Northern Ireland as clubs begin their 2026/27 campaigns.

Respect ‘inside and outside football’

Police said their work around football extends beyond maintaining order on matchdays, highlighting initiatives aimed at promoting respect and challenging harmful behaviour.

Chief Superintendent Ford said:

“Through our involvement in initiatives including Fair Game and the newly launched Every Victim Matters domestic abuse campaign for male victims, we are continuing to promote respect and challenge harmful behaviour both inside and outside football.

“We want everyone to enjoy the football, create the atmosphere and support your team, but please respect others and help make this a peaceful season for everyone.”

The message for supporters as the season gets underway is therefore straightforward: enjoy the atmosphere and back your team, while following the law, cooperating with stewards and police, and showing consideration for the communities surrounding football grounds.