Soccer fans who hurl sectarian abuse during Northern Ireland home internationals could face a lifetime ban. The Irish Football Association (IFA) made the pledge yesterday as they announced a code of conduct aimed at clearing Windsor Park's terraces of bigots.

The move follows the booing of Celtic player Neil Lennon by home fans during last month's friendly against Norway in Belfast. The code, which will come into effect for the fixture against the Czech Republic on March 24th, instructs supporters not to use abusive, sectarian or racist language or emblems. Anyone breaking the code will be ejected from the stadium and barred.

IFA president Jim Boyce said: "If the IFA feels the offence is so serious that we don't want them back at Windsor Park for international matches it will be a lifelong ban."

Close circuit television coverage inside the ground is also set to be stepped up in a bid to help identify the culprits. Ticket sales will be limited to four per person, with a registration scheme to ensure supporters can be traced to particular seats.