Paisley leads protest against Sunday rugby

Rev Ian Paisley led a "Never on a Sunday" protest in Belfast today asthousands of rugby fans flocked to Ulster's first round …

Rev Ian Paisley led a "Never on a Sunday" protest in Belfast today asthousands of rugby fans flocked to Ulster's first round European Cup matchagainst Leicester to see its array of England World Cup winners.

Rev Paisley joined parishioners from the MountMerrion Free Presbyterian Church close to the Ravenhill ground in south Belfastwho are implacably opposed to games on Sunday.

It was Ulster's first-ever Sunday match and Mr Paisley and around 40 peoplesang hymns and handed out leaflets opposing the game as 12,000 fans arrived -drawn by the prospect of watching England captain Martin Johnston and team matesAustin Healey and Neil Back take to the pitch.

Fans entering the ground said the Free Presbyterians had a right to protestbut that they thought it should be a matter of personal choice whether to go toa match on a Sunday.

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The Mount Merrion Church is close to one of the main gates of the ground anddespite the efforts of Ulster Rugby to minimise disruption remains totallyopposed to Sunday sport.