A north Belfast pub is being shut down in a bid to ease sectarian tensions during tomorrow's Old Firm clash between Glasgow football clubs Rangers and Celtic, it was confirmed tonight.
Security Minister Ms Jane Kennedy has signed a special order shutting the Cavehill Inn close to the loyalist Westland Estate.
It is the first time that a pub has been shut down in Northern Ireland because of tensions surrounding the Glasgow derby.
Police said they decided to take action following serious street disturbances in the past involving people who had earlier been drinking in the pub. There are fears of more trouble once tomorrow's game ends.
North Belfast Deputy Commander, Supt David Boultwood said clashes took place in the area after Old Firm games in May and October this year.
"It degenerated to such an extent that we fired seven baton rounds in May. "In October there was a crowd that came out and behaved in a disorderly and indecent manner. They confronted police in the area and a riot broke out during which a number of high velocity rounds were fired at police."
Supt Boultwood added: "We have been in touch with community representatives and appealed to them to maintain calm in the area. People should stay at home and watch it."
No one at the Cavehill Inn was available for comment.
Extra police have been drafted into all major sectarian flashpoints in north Belfast to prevent trouble during and after the match.
There will also be extra security in Derry during a loyalist parade in the city.
The security moves follow measures passed in the Scottish Parliament to crack down on sectarian chanting and banners at matches involving Glasgow's big two clubs.
A Northern Ireland Office spokesman said of the decision to close the pub:
"This is an unusual step after careful analysis of previous public order incidents following Rangers and Celtic football matches .
"This demonstrates proactive policing by putting in place measures to mitigate potential disorder."
PA