Soccer On The Sabbath Set For N Ireland

Ladle · 10-14-2007, 06:31 PM

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The ban on Sunday soccer in Northern Ireland looks as though it is about to come to an end... after 60 years.

The historical anachronism has its roots in the province's tangled religious past, and means that Northern Ireland is the only member of Uefa which does not allow soccer - at any level - to be played on the Sabbath.

The Irish Football Association has admitted that the rule contravenes their own anti-sectarian policy, and they will make their latest attempt to overturn the ban at the end of this month.

Like so many semi-religious questions in Northern Ireland, reaction to the possible lifting of the ban differs widely across the religious divide.

For some, the ban is outdated and its removal will place Northern Ireland on a level playing field with other countries and other sports.

They also argue that lifting the ban will increase domestic attendances by doing away with the playing or watching on a Saturday dilemma.

But those who want the ban maintained argue Sunday should be kept football-free, and they doubt that Sunday games would increase attendances at all.

Howard Wells, the Irish Football Association's chief executive, believes they must move with the times.

"We are trying to recognise that there are different communities in Northern Ireland now that have different views and beliefs," he said.

"Sunday isn't a holy day for many of them, and we have to reflect the changing population. There are people with a desire to play and it'll be left to freedom of choice.

"We're not trying to impose this on the community."

Almost inevitably, the Free Presbyterian Church - founded by Dr Ian Paisley - is against relaxing the never-on-a-Sunday ban.

The church's moderator, the Reverend David McIlveen, feels that his flock would be far from happy with any move to lift the ban.

"Most people enjoy soccer, but to have it on the Lord's day is a step too far for many people," he said.

"The Bible makes it clear that we are to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy - and there are many involved in soccer who'd hold to that conviction.

"To have soccer on a Sunday would disenfranchise those who have very deep convictions about playing on Sundays.

"Why marginalise a section of the community, the Christian section, by playing soccer on a Sunday?"

Linfield are the biggest and most successful club in Northern Ireland, and their chairman Jim Kerr is happy to accept change - but not for his club.

"I would not approve of Sunday football, but if the IFA wish to remove the ban then Linfield will not be playing at home on a Sunday," he said.

"But if other clubs wish to play each other then I would not object.

"I like to go to my church on a Sunday and we have a support base here who'd be of the same opinion that Sunday is for worship, a family day for relaxation but not for sport."

Across the city, in West Belfast, they have a wholly different view. Donegal Celtic's manager Paddy Kelly believes lifting the ban could only be good for his club, and the game in general.

"Saturday football doesn't attract the crowds that should be going to see Irish football," he said.

"From where we are in West Belfast, Sunday would attract a far bigger crowd - double or even treble what we get at present - and it would certainly benefit Donegal Celtic."

There is undoubtedly a push to develop the domestic game in Northern Ireland, with Sky Sports screening Irish League matches live for the very first time this season.

The move to scrap the Sunday soccer ban is part and parcel of the drive to bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of Europe, at least in sporting terms.

:cool: About time

Up yours Free Presbyterianism