Coronavirus: Irish FA suspends all football in Northern Ireland until 4 April

Crusaders v Glentoran was one of the five Irish Premiership matches scheduled for Saturday

The Irish FA has followed its counterparts in the UK and Ireland by calling off all matches until 4 April.

After Wednesday's postponement of the Linfield v Larne Premiership game, it was announced on Thursday evening that all remaining matches would go ahead.

However amid fast-moving events on Friday morning, the Irish FA (IFA) bowed to the inevitable.

"This means no affiliated football will be played in Northern Ireland until that time (4 April)," said the IFA

"The decision has been made with public health but, equally, the health and safety of players, match officials, staff and volunteers front of mind.

"We expect games to restart on Saturday 4 April 2020. The matter will be kept under constant review.

"This means no affiliated football will be played in Northern Ireland until that time."

Linfield's game against Larne had already been postponed after a Blues player tested positive for the virus.

The Irish FA's announcement on Friday morning, in addition to the cancellation of the Elite League hockey season where Belfast Giants play, means a blanket ban has been placed on a number of sports across Northern Ireland, including rugby and GAA, because of the spread of coronavirus.

All matches in the Northern Amateur Football League, one of the biggest leagues in Northern Ireland, have been postponed.