As a club, Glentoran FC chose to mark the sad passing of HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh in a dignified and respectful manner, with the lowering of the Union Flag and Glentoran Flag to half-mast and through sending condolences to Her Majesty The Queen. However as a club we recognise the depth of feeling across much of our support base and wider community was for a more public mark of respect to be displayed. There has been dangerous and baseless commentary since yesterday’s match suggesting this was a snub or that any part of the club was against such a mark of respect. This is simply untrue.
The clubs next match is against Coleraine FC on Tuesday night and although due to COVID restrictions, this will once again be played behind closed doors, the club will hold a minute’s silence before kick-off as a further mark of respect to His Royal Highness. We have also been in discussion with Coleraine FC and there will be a further silence before our match at the Showgrounds on Friday evening, the day immediately prior to the Duke’s funeral.