PSNI and Irish FA urge supporters to keep new football season safe and peaceful

The Police Service of Northern Ireland and Irish Football Association have reinforced their commitment to a safe and positive 2026/27 football season. Supporters are being urged to avoid violence, disorder, abuse and pyrotechnics, respect local communities and follow directions from stewards and police.

As the 2026/27 Northern Ireland football season gets underway, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Irish Football Association have joined forces to encourage supporters to enjoy matches safely, legally and peacefully.

Belfast Area Commander Chief Superintendent Ford and Superintendent Mark Conway met Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson and Chief Operating Officer Graham Fitzgerald at the National Stadium at Windsor Park.

The Irish FA lists Patrick Nelson as Chief Executive and Graham Fitzgerald as Chief Operating Officer.

The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to creating safe and welcoming matchday environments across Northern Ireland.

PSNI issues football safety message to supporters

Chief Superintendent Ford said supporters should be able to enjoy the passion and atmosphere surrounding football while respecting others.

“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.”

Police are also reminding anyone taking part in notified fan marches that these must take place legally.

Participants have been asked to comply with the law and consider the impact on people living in surrounding communities.

Supporters asked to plan journeys and respect residents

Those travelling to fixtures are being encouraged to allow enough time for their journeys, particularly around major matches.

Supporters have also been asked to park considerately near football grounds and behave respectfully towards residents.

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.”

Supporters can find domestic fixtures and results through the Irish FA domestic football section.

PSNI warns against pyrotechnics and disorder

The PSNI message specifically warns that there is no place for violence, disorder, abuse or pyrotechnics at football.

Supporters are being encouraged to cooperate with stadium search procedures and follow instructions given by stewards and police.

Those attending fixtures should also remain considerate of communities surrounding football grounds.

Respect encouraged on and off the pitch

Chief Superintendent Ford also highlighted wider initiatives involving football and community safety.

These include Fair Game and the recently launched Every Victim Matters campaign, which aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse experienced by male victims.

The PSNI said that between April 2025 and March 2026, it recorded 5,817 domestic abuse crimes against male victims across Northern Ireland.

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.”

More information and support relating to domestic abuse is available through the PSNI domestic abuse information page.

“Create the atmosphere and support your team”

Police stressed that supporters should continue to create a positive matchday atmosphere while showing consideration for others.

Chief Superintendent Ford concluded:

“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.”

Football supporters can keep up with official news through the Irish FA news section, while information on the Northern Ireland international teams is available from the Irish FA international section.

Report an incident to police

Anyone who needs to report a non-emergency incident can use the PSNI online reporting service.

For a non-emergency, members of the public can also call 101.

In an emergency, where immediate assistance is required or someone feels threatened, call 999.