There has been condemnation after £700 worth of damage was done to nets belonging to a west Belfast football club.
he incident was reported by Belfast Celtic Young Men and Ladies Club on Saturday morning, as they posted a social media image of the damaged nets.
In a post alongside the damage, the club wrote: “Do we even need to explain what has happened, £700 with the damage done last night.
“Our club needs help with this ASAP.
“This morning we have 450 kids from all over the north coming to the park to see this.”
Responding to the post, Sinn Fein councillor Michael Donnelly hit out at the “small element” who he described as “just set on wreck and ruin”.
“Yet again, a club that does so much for our community turns up on a Saturday morning to find equipment damaged again,” the politician wrote.
“I’ll be requesting an urgent meeting with senior council staff asap as we’ve been continually pushing for a shipping container to be situated in the park for the likes of equipment to go into.
“Equipment should freely sit out but unfortunately there’s a small element who are just set on wreck and ruin.
“Solidarity with Belfast Celtic.”
The incident came ahead of a visit of Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers, who visited the park and saw hundreds of young people playing football.
“There is a hell of a lot of good work going on and a million more positives than negatives,” Mr Donnelly added.
“Hundreds of kids in the park having a great time and former Celtic and current Leicester boss, Brendan Rodgers dropping by to see the showcasing event on display.
“This morning’s incident will not deter the local clubs who do sterling work. We support them 100% and will work with them over the coming days to put measures in place to try and ensure it doesn’t happen again.
“For those who damaged the equipment, hang your heads in shame. The only people you’re hurting are members of your own community.”
The PSNI has been contacted.
