Celtic and Rangers enjoy a large following here in Ireland. Most of the fans are interested simply in supporting their football team. Unfortunately some use their allegiance as an excuse for violence.
That was the case in Derry after Saturday's game between the clubs. According to reports, up to 30 so-called supporters became involved in clashes in the city and at least one innocent bystander was injured and had to be treated in hospital after suffering a gash to her head.
It has been said many times before but it bears repeating: neither club wants to see violence on the streets anywhere, much less in cities in Ireland, because of their rivalry on the football pitch.
All these people do is sully the reputations of those – and there are many – who wish to simply do what thousands of other sports fans do: support their club.
