Linfield chiefs weigh up response after IFA slap Blues with hefty stadium bans

The Irish FA have issued a severe punishment after Linfield fans let off pyrotechnics in the Blues' defeat to Coleraine

Linfield are weighing up whether to fight stadium bans issued to their fans by Irish FA disciplinary chiefs.

The Blues have been hit with a one-match stadium ban for home spectators in the West Stand and a further two-match full stadium closure for home supporters.

The latest punishments follow the Premiership fixture at Coleraine in February when some fans lit flares which delayed the start of the second half.

Linfield were also fined £3,000 for incidents at the Coleraine game, but it’s the stadium bans which have rocked the club and its supporters.

The Irish FA’s Disciplinary Committee has activated a one-match stadium closure for home spectators in the West Stand of Windsor Park – this follows a one-game ban that was imposed and subsequently suspended following the Boxing Day game against Glentoran.

That one-match stadium ban for home spectators in the West Stand will apply to the game against Newry City on March 16.

Linfield fans are also banned from attending the first two Windsor Park clashes after the League split.

The Blues have the right to challenge the two-match full stadium ban.

In December 2023, Linfield were sanctioned by the Irish FA for sectarian chanting and a racist comment from their supporters at matches.

The south Belfast club were fined £4,000 and given a suspended one-match stadium ban for their travelling fans.

The incidents of supporter misconduct took place in Premiership matches away to Larne on September 15, at Cliftonville on October 20 and at home to Loughgall on October 28.

The one-match stadium ban for away spectators was suspended until February 29, 2024, with the IFA