There is expected to be traffic chaos in Belfast during Thursday evening rush hour as 2,000 football fans will parade through the city ahead of Larne’s Uefa Conference League tie.
The NIFL Premiership champions face Swiss side FC St Gallen in their group stage match at The National Stadium at 8pm.
St Gallen fans, who submitted an application with the Parades Commission, have said 2,000 supporters will march from Bradbury Place in south Belfast at 5.30pm through Shaftesbury Square, Donegall Road and Donegall Avenue on their way to the stadium.
Police have warned motorists to expect a build-up of traffic in the Shaftesbury Square, Lisburn Road and Donegall Road areas, as well as the M1 and Boucher Road areas both before and after the game.
A total of 5,000 supporters are expected to attend Thursday night’s game.
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Ahead of the St Gallen march, the PSNI said supporters, commuters and shoppers should plan their journey in advance, ensuring they leave sufficient travel time.
“We would ask that those driving to the match park with consideration for local residents and businesses, and that supporters are respectful and considerate whilst walking through residential streets convenient to the stadium,” said a police spokesperson.
“The areas around the National Stadium are ‘No Street Drinking’ zones under Belfast City Council by-laws and these should be complied with at all times.
“We hope that the match is enjoyed by all and would remind those attending to behave in a manner befitting the reputation of their teams.”
In a statement a spokesperson from the Parades Commission said: “The Commission recently received a notification (PAR/103749) of intention to organise a public procession today, Thursday, November 7, on behalf of fans of St Gallen FC.
“The notification was processed in accordance with the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 and the Commission’s procedural rules.”
The Department for Infrastructure has also been contacted for a response.
Thursday’s game against St Gallen will be Larne’s third group stage game in the Conference League.
Tiernan Lynch’s side lost 3-0 away to Norwegian club Molde FK and 4-1 against the League of Ireland’s Shamrock Rovers at The National Stadium.
Larne are playing their group stage fixtures at the south Belfast venue due to Inver Park not meeting the specified requirements.
Speaking to the Sunday Life ahead of Thursday’s fixture, Larne chairman Gareth Clements said he expected another memorable European night.
“From what I can gather, they [St Gallen] have asked for 3,000 tickets,” he said.
“They also have a letter into the Parades Commission to do a walk through the city centre to the ground on the day of the game.
“It certainly wasn’t what I was expecting from sleepy Switzerland. These guys are going to travel in numbers — they’ll make a lot of noise as well.”