NI soccer poisoned by sectarianism - SDLP

The SDLP has condemned Northern Ireland's soccer governing body for continuing to allow the English national anthem be played at international soccer games.

SDLP MLA for East Derry Mr John Dallat said the anthem, "God Save the Queen", was being abused by bigots and deterring Catholics from attending international matches at Windsor Park.

Mr Dallat accused the Irish Football Association (IFA) of behaving like "ostriches pretending scetarianism isn't poisoning sport" in Northern Ireland.

He said the association should be assisting in the type of changes which have taken place in Scotland and Wales, as well as ones being considered in England.

However, Ulster Unionist MLA Mr Michael McGimpsey rejected Mr Dallat's suggestions that the English National Anthem should not be played at future soccer internationals.

Mr McGimpsey said: "There is absolutely no substance to this notion and by peddling it, Mr Dallat reveals that he is in reality a closet anti-Agreement Nationalist".He said: "Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom and the national anthem is a legitimate symbol of the country. So too is the Union flag".

Mr Dallat accused Mr McGimpsey of an "emotional outburst" and said the issue cannot be addressed successfully with this kind of contribution. He urged the IFA to grasp the issue saying the organisation had "an important part to play in this healing process".

"The playing of the anthem can be reserved for formal occasions. I don't think a football match is the place for it," he said.

Mr Dallat said: "For those who believe I am some sort of bigot, I was the mayor of Coleraine last year during the Jubilee. I met the Queen and I stood for the Queen and I had no problem with that".