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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Ballymena United offer support to Wrightbus workers following closure shock

Ballymena United have reached out to the devastated workforce of Wrightbus following news that the firm has entered administration.

Around 1,200 staff at the company were told on Wednesday morning they were being made redundant.

Unions have warned that hundreds more posts are at risk as supply chains collapse due to dwindling orders.

Ballymena United have extended their support to the workers affected by the closure, offering employees free admission to the club's Premiership game against Cliftonville on Saturday.

In a statement, the Sky Blues said: "The devastating news yesterday that Wrightbus has entered administration was a body blow to their workers, their families and the wider supply network, many of whom are in the makeup of our loyal fan base.

"At Ballymena United we recognise that our club is a focal point for all sections of the community and we share in the emotions that have swept over our town in the last 48 hours.

"This morning the board of directors and management committee have discussed ways in which Ballymena United can give back to those who support us through thick and thin, acknowledging that as our fans are there for the club, so too must the club be there for its fans.

"In that regard, the first step will be to offer free admission to all Wrightbus employees at our match versus Cliftonville this Saturday on production of their Wrightbus ID or clock card.

"We hope that even if for 90 minutes, everyone's mind will be diverted to the team on the pitch and we can roar the lads home to a valuable three points."

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