9 police hurt, 18 arrests in N. Ireland
Loyalists flying British Union Jacks march outside Belfast City Hall in protest over the city council's decision to restrict the number of days the British flag can be flown over City Hall, in Belfast, Northern Ireland on January 5, 2013. Nine officers were injured and 18 people arrested in fresh violence overnight on the streets, police said. / PETER MUHLY/AFP/Getty Images
BELFAST, Northern Ireland Northern Ireland police say nine police officers were injured and 18 rioters arrested in the second straight night of violent protests over flying the British flag.
Police said Saturday that more than 30 petrol bombs were thrown at officers, along with ball bearings, fireworks and bricks as they responded to clashes Friday night in Protestant sections of Belfast.
Friday's clashes come a day after 10 police were injured in east Belfast during a similar demonstration.
Many Protestants want Belfast City Council to reverse a Dec. 3 decision to stop flying the British flag year-round, a move backed by Irish Catholics.
Dozens of police have been injured in ensuing protests, and Protestant extremists have issued threats against politicians.
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- Once British Petroleum finishes pumping all the oil out of the North Sea, the Brits will give the top six northern counties back to the Republic of Ireland, which they stole in 1690 when William of Orange invaded Ireland and defeated his father-in-law King James of Ireland.
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- In other news, Catholics and Protestants discovered they actually worship the SAME God! What a concept! Get over it Northern Ireland. Time to move on and get a life.
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- The Nuts are running the Nut House again!
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- what should happen to people who wear "green" red sox paraphernalia? real Americans wear red, white, and blue red sox paraphernalia (pink is ok for girls)
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- What the hell are you talking about? What the hell does that have to do with the article about sectarian violence in Ireland?? Who gives a damn about your stupid socks??
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- What the hell are you talking about? What the hell does that have to do with the article about sectarian violence in Ireland?? Who gives a damn about your stupid socks??
