Religious protests have been planned in opposition to Northern Ireland 's first ever home Sunday fixture against Finland . The national side have played overseas on a Sunday in the past , most recently in their opening Euro 2016 qualifier in Hungary , but this weekend will break new ground in Belfast . The Irish Football Association has been careful in the past not to arrange Sunday fixtures , and once had an article of association enshrining such a policy , but was powerless to act once UEFA introduced its 'week of football ' blueprint for the current qualifying campaign . But that cuts no ice with critics , some of whom have called on the IFA to boycott the fixture . A general view of Windsor Park during a World Cup qualifier between Northern Ireland and Slovakia in 2009 . The Free Presbyterian Church is planning to hold a service at its Tyndale Memorial church , located just a few hundred yards from Windsor Park , 75 minutes before the 5pm kick-off . The Evangelical Protestant Society , meanwhile , has issued a statement expressing its dismay at events . 'This will be the first time an international football match has been held in Belfast on a Sunday , and it marks another watershed moment in modern Ulster 's increasing rejection of the Lord 's Day , ' it read . 'Far too many sporting and social events are now organised on Sundays with , it seems , scant regard for the rights of evangelicals who , because of their faith , are unable to be involved . Many evangelical Protestants are ardent fans of the national team and would dearly love to be present at the match . 'We fully accept that we are out of step with the majority of public opinion on this matter , and we suspect that many who claim to be Protestants will be present at Windsor Park on Sunday . ' Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill , speaking earlier this week to the Belfast Telegraph , said : 'We appreciate and understand people 's religious beliefs - but the game must be played on Sunday , as that date was decreed when the fixture was made by UEFA . Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill gestures on the touchline at Hampden Park on Wednesday evening . 'We hope for a victory on the night , and for the usual wonderful support from all Northern Ireland fans . ' There was a conciliatory message from Gary McAllister , chairman of the Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters ' Clubs . McAllister told Press Association Sport : 'We understand there will be a protest near the stadium and that is their right . I imagine it will be very peaceful and they are fully entitled to do that . 'But this is not an IFA decision and I do n't think suggestions that the game is forfeited are realistic at all . 'It is clearly a matter of choice . Some fans have made the decision not to attend for sincerely held beliefs and no doubt they are passionate as any other fans . ' I fully respect those who oppose it but it must be , and it will be , played . '
Northern Ireland take on Finland in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday . It is the first time Northern Ireland have played on a Sunday at home . Religious protests are planned near the stadium in opposition .