Irish Premiership: NIFL launch campaign against violence towards women

The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) has launched an awareness campaign against violence towards women called #NotInOurGame.

Since 2020, 30 women have been violently killed in Northern Ireland.

In all but one case the perpetrator or suspected perpetrator has been a man and in most cases the man was well known to the woman.

The campaign aims to use the platform of football to raise awareness, start conversation and promote responsibility across society.

Fans will be encouraged to clap on the 30th minute for 30 seconds during Tuesday’s Irish Premiership fixtures, with supporters also partaking during Saturday’s Irish Cup and Premiership games.

On Tuesday, there will be a full round of Premiership matches as Larne host Coleraine, Cliftonville face Glentoran and Dungannon Swifts welcome Linfield.

Elsewhere, Ballymena United play Glenavon, Crusaders are at home against Bangor and Portadown and Carrick Rangers meet at Shamrock Park.

Clubs across the leagues have also used social media to post squad photos and player-led content to further address the issue that impacts communities across Northern Ireland.

“The Northern Ireland Football League is encouraging all supporters to play their part by joining the applause and continuing to share the campaign message across social media using #NotInOurGame,” a NIFL statement read.

“Together, the football community can help drive awareness, challenge behaviour and play a role in ending violence against women.”