Crues react after tunnel scenes in North Belfast derby

There were skirmishes outside the Seaview changing rooms

Crusaders have reacted to the scenes which marred the Boxing Day clash against Cliftonville.

From now on, the tunnel area at Seaview will be restricted to players, club officials, referees and members of the Irish FA.

Referee Adrian McCourt said he was worried about his safety after sending off five players and Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter in Saturday's game.

There were also skirmishes in the Seaview tunnel after the match.

Crusaders officials held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss Saturday's events.

"One of the things to come out of this meeting is the tunnel area and changing room corridor will now be sterile areas," said a Crusaders club statement.

Bangor official McCourt, who dismissed four Crusaders players plus a Cliftonville team member, was rushed off with an escort on the final whistle.

McCourt said that his changing-room door was broken during the skirmishes and that he "feared" for his personal safety.

The aftermatch incidents have been reported to the Irish Football Association which appears certain to land host club Crusaders in further trouble with disciplinary chiefs.

The referee came in for some stinging criticism from Crues boss Baxter.