Mr Lyons said,
"The glorification of the IRA, or any other terrorist organisation, is utterly unacceptable. Sadly, this is something we have seen all too often lately and it must be condemned unequivocally. It hasn’t been helped by the recent comments of Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill who said that there was “no alternative” to the violence of the IRA.
Many people have been in touch with me today following a picture that has been posted online showing a Larne FC player wearing an “Up the Ra” t-shirt. This will be abhorrent to all right thinking people in the town and beyond.
Having spoken to senior officials at the club this evening, I’m glad that they understand the sense of anger that many in the town are feeling.
Let’s make no mistake, the brutal, bloody and sectarian campaign of the IRA and its members is not something that should ever be celebrated, honoured or made light of.
I hope that those who have engaged in such behaviour this weekend will recognise how hurtful their actions have been to those who have suffered so much at the hands of the IRA.”
