They used to sing very violent anti-catholic/anti-irish songs, they play in the colours of the British flag, the fans frequently burn Irish flags and such things. Now it has to be said Linfield's board has done a lot of efford to ban this behaviour and the many times I was at Linfield games I never saw real violence so their anti-sectarianism campaign has been a success somewhat, there is however still an element within their support...
Does things like these still happen?
PS: for the same reason I do dislike Cliftonville. Sorry to disappoint you, but they are the opposide side of the coin as Linfield. They are the most extreme pro-Irish team and have caused problems several times with their anti-British behaviour, sometimes including physical provocations. Linfield and Cliftonville are on the more extreme side of the spectrum while other clubs in NI, although often also leaning towards one political corner, are more moderate.
Well to be honest I think in politics I've got quite the same opinion as the Cliftonville fans, although I don't support (physical) provocations.
If you want to support a truly neutral team, then support Queens University AFC in the third division as their players are all students from both sides of the political divide. This is about the only politically neutral team you will find in the Belfast agglomeration.
Do they have a stadium?
If they have, do they attract any fans?
Glens-Linfield on Boxing Day is traditional but it is not always at Windsor. I have attended Glens-Linfield on Boxing Day a few seasons ago and that was played at The Oval (Glentoran stadium). I think they switch it every year who plays at home on Boxing Day. But to have the big 2 playing each other is tradition on Boxing Day yes.
Ok, so it's just this time they'll play at Windsor, next year on Boxing day the derby will take place at the Oval?
At this moment the schedule is like this;
http://ifapremiership.com/fixtures1208.htm
Friday, 26th or Saturday, 27th December, 2008,
JJB Sports Premiership (kick-off tbc)
Ballymena United v. Coleraine
Cliftonville v. Crusaders
Dungannon Swifts v. Institute
Linfield v. Glentoran
Lisburn Distillery v. Bangor
Newry City v. Glenavon
Will the derby always be played at boxing day, or is there a chance too it will be played one day later?
I see the 2nd division matches are scheduled for the 27th.
http://www.ifachampionship.com/ifachampionshipfix1208.htm
Saturday, 27th December, 2008
Armagh City v. Ballinamallard United
Ballyclare Comrades v. Killymoon Rangers
Carrick Rangers v. Tobermore United
Coagh United v. Dergview
Glebe Rangers v. Ballymoney United
Limavady United v. Banbridge Town
Loughgall v. Donegal Celtic
Portadown v. Larne
Best one to visit is Portadown I guess, if there's no premier league game on the 27th?
Sorry for all these questions, but I'm totally unknown with Northern Irish football
.
