Uefa Super Cup: Football fans 'absolutely ecstatic' ahead of final

Football fans were in high spirits ahead of Wednesday night's Uefa Super Cup Final at Windsor Park.

Belfast hosted the match which saw Champions League winners Chelsea beat Europa League winners Villarreal on penalties.

Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers had urged the expected 13,000 fans attending the game to follow Covid-19 rules.

It is the first time a major Uefa final has been held in Northern Ireland.

• Live updates: Chelsea vs Villarreal

• In pictures: Belfast prepares for Uefa Super Cup final

• Super Cup is 'massive for NI'

'Absolutely ecstatic'

One Chelsea fan who travelled to Belfast to watch the match told BBC News NI he was "absolutely ecstatic" to have a ticket.

"Belfast is a beautiful city with beautiful people and we're glad to be here and be part of it."

Chelsea fans at Windsor Park

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"The people and the Ulster fry - spot on," he said.

'Showcase sporting event on our doorstep'

First Minister Paul Givan said there was a "real sense of excitement and anticipation in Belfast".

"This is a showcase sporting event on our doorstep," he said.

"Northern Ireland has proved it is more than capable of hosting big sporting occasions and I fully expect this to be another memorable evening as we welcome footballing superstars."

The mood builds among Villareal fans

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill urged the public to look after each other by following public health advice.

"It's great to see the Uefa Super Cup being played in Belfast, and I know many people will be looking forward to the match," she said.

"I wish everyone - visiting supporters and local fans - a successful and safe event.

"But I would urge everyone to remember that Covid-19 is still a real threat in our society."

Sean Murphy, the IFA's (Irish Football Association's) chief operating officer, said the key aspect to bringing the Super Cup to Belfast was convincing Uefa the city was the right host.

"One of the key messages that we gave Uefa was, 'you bring a game of this magnitude to Belfast - and we're not used to having this level of club game - and you're going to inspire lots and lots of young kids to play football'," he told BBC News NI's Evening Extra programme.

"That's really important for Uefa, that more and more people play football."

He said improvements to the stadium would be a "legacy" for the next international game, adding: "we will be able to use that legacy to ensure that the experience of fans will continue to improve".

'Sense of anticipation'

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Executive said travelling fans had been reminded that the Covid-19 regulations in Northern Ireland were different to those in the rest of the UK and Ireland.

"The use of face coverings is mandatory on public transport, in taxis, private buses, coaches and on aircraft, in train and bus stations and in airports unless an exemption applies," they said.

"The rule of six still applies in hospitality settings and up to 10 people from no more than three households can meet in a private home."