Dublin pub cancels C^ltic fans event to host England fans

[ian1964 10,724]

Hundreds of Celtic fans in uproar after Dublin pub cancels pre-booked event to 'protect' England World Cup fans

Hoops fans had booked a function room for a meet-up before going to Tallaght to watch their friendly with Shamrock Rovers.

Celtic supporters in Dublin were left fuming after a pub booked for a pre-match meet up cancelled on them last minute over fears of clashes with English fans ahead of the Sweden World Cup game.

Around 200 Hoops fans from all over Ireland and Scotland had arranged to meet in Murray's Bar on O'Connell street before heading to Tallaght Stadium to watch them play Shamrock Rovers.

The event had been organised with a band booked to play in a function room with musician Gary Lawlor saying he was setting up when someone came over and told them they were cancelling the gig.

Taking to Facebook the band said: "Folks unfortunately today’s gig in Murray’s O’Connell street has been cancelled.

"The venue felt the need to cancel because they have 1,000 England fans in for the game...

"Some waste of people’s time. This is fully the venues call. 

"Feel sorry for the guys who put a lot of effort into holding a gig for Celtic fans.

"Very sad attitude by the owners of the pub towards ourselves."

Organisers Left Wing Badges told Dublin Live that they had held events in the pub before without any problems.

They said: "For Saturday's gig Murray's bought in a sound company and engineer and they were set up,same with the ballad band when the owner's wife came upstairs and said it's cancelled.

"I've had ones message me saying they were asked to leave because they were wearing a Celtic jersey."

Some Celtic fans told Dublin Live that they were refused entry at the door while others others already inside beforehand said they were warned for singing, and were eventually asked to leave.

One fan said that security may have been concerned about fans clashing due to Celtic singing rebel songs, but that they had been mixing well while he was there.

He said: "I'd say they were worried, but most of the English people there seemed to be enjoying the banter.

"We were chatting away to a few, I told them I hope Sweden pumps them, they told me Scotland are sh**e so we laughed and moved on.

"Nobody was going to start a riot, and we would be gone about 2 hours before the England game started to make our way to Tallaght"

The event was initially due to finish up at 1.30pm with fans then departing to Tallaght Stadium, while England's game began at 3pm.

When contacted by Dublin Live, Murray's Bar defended then move saying that they had received "credible" information that a minority of people posing as Celtic fans had planned to hijack the event.

"Our Celtic Fans have a long and most welcome association with Murray's, stemming back many years longer than any other fan group and we wholeheartedly welcome all genuine fans.

"Later on Saturday we had also scheduled the World Cup Game, England vs. Sweden, to be shown in our beer garden. We were more than happy to host both events throughout the day as typically there would be no need for concern.

"The problem arose when we received credible information early on Saturday morning that a group of troublemakers masquerading as genuine Celtic fans had orchestrated a planned hostile engagement with totally innocent members of the public watching the England vs Sweden game later that day.

"When we receive a credible threat of violence to our much valued patrons, we have to act.

"It can be a very difficult decision for us as we know that so many other innocent fans can be affected.

"However, we have a legal duty of care to all of our patrons, including the Celtic fans who would get caught up in any violence, and it is incumbent on management to provide a safe, and fun environment for all to watch, and enjoy whatever games may be airing.

"These troublemakers are sadly a part of everyday life around the world, and do nothing to promote not just football, but all sport and sporting occasions. They are an utter disgrace to all fans and have no place anywhere near sport.

"I would like to finish by saying that of course we apologise to those fans affected by these thugs, but sadly safety has to, and must be first in all decisions taken by management."

https://www.dublinlive.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/celtic-dublin-england-world-cup-14886688

[MacK1950 2,378]

Ha ha ha ha disguised as after all their past exploits.

Edited July 11, 2018 by MacK1950

[Malangsob 1,264]