Republican News · Thursday 30 January 2003

Child fan injured in sectarian bus attack

Nine-year-old Nathan Tobin sustained injuries to his eye, nose and cheek after loyalists attacked a bus in which Cliftonville fans were travelling home from after an Irish League match against Portadown on Tuesday 21 January.

The North Belfast child was showered with glass after two large granite rocks were thrown through the window of the coach. A number of other supporters received minor injuries during the sectarian attack on the Armagh Road.

Nathan's father Des said his young son got a piece of glass in his right eye, received a cut to the bridge of his nose and scratches to his face.

"He didn't say anything as he was in shock. I asked him if he was all right and all he kept saying was I don't know, I don't know," said Des.

The manager of Cliftonville's website said that although PSNI Land Rovers had escorted their bus to and from the ground, extra security should be put in place at Portadown's ground in the future.

A letter about sectarian attacks on Cliftonville supporters near Shamrock Park will be sent to the PSNI, soccer authorities and the Six-County Sports Council, said Cliftonville member Liam Murray.