First Minister pulls rank and confirms supporters are allowed at top level sport

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Ballymena celebrate Kofi Balmer's winner. Pic: NIFL.

Q Radio Sport

Ballymena Unied have beaten derby rivals Coleraine 1-0 in the opening match of the Danske Bank Premiership.

Defender Kofi Balmer headed the only goal in the first half, but Ballymena were reduced to 10 men before the break when Josh Kelly was sent off.

Coleraine squandered a series of chances in the second half, and the Sky Blues held on for victory.

The main drama was off the pitch when it initially appeared fans would not be admitted.

However, a compromise was reached:

Then First Minister Arlene Foster pulled rank on her minister saying fans can still attend big sports events:

It was met with approval from other clubs:

 

The Irish FA and NIFL then issued statements on Saturday, confirming fans can attend games.

 

And this is how it played out on Saturday:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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