Windsor Park: Safety fears over West Stand after cracks spotted

Cracks have appeared in the side of the West Stand at Windsor Park
Cracks have appeared in the side of the West Stand at Windsor Park

Club and international matches at Windsor Park in Belfast could be in doubt after the West Stand was sealed off because of possible subsidence.

Cracks in the structure of the stand were spotted on Tuesday and the area has been sealed off.

"The Irish FA (IFA) became aware on Tuesday morning of some damage having been caused overnight to the West Stand," the IFA said in a statement.

"We are currently awaiting a report from the structural engineers."

Cracks have appeared in the side of the West Stand at Windsor Park
Cracks have appeared in the side of the West Stand at Windsor Park

The Irish Cup final between Glentoran and Portadown on 2 May and Northern Ireland's Euro 2016 qualifier against Romania on 13 June are currently scheduled to be played at the stadium.

Building work behind the stand has been ongoing in recent weeks as part of the redevelopment of Windsor Park, but it's not known if this is directly related.

The stand was filled to capacity with Northern Ireland fans on Sunday for the Euro 2016 qualifier victory over Finland.

Linfield and Crusaders are scheduled to meet at Windsor Park on Saturday in a top-of-the-table Irish Premiership match.