Drogheda United F.C. and Dundalk F.C. have released a joint statement criticising the crowd disturbances that occurred during Friday night’s Louth derby, which led to extensive damage to the playing surface at Oriel Park, reports RTE.
Prior to kick-off, disorder broke out as supporters clashed outside Clarke train station on the Carrick Road, and following the match, gardaà detained a man in his 20s after responding to reports of a public order incident on Carrickmacross Road, reports RTE.
Within the ground, a number of flares were hurled by Drogheda supporters onto the recently relaid artificial pitch, leaving several burn marks and causing serious harm to the surface.
A 12-year-old child was hit by one of the flares and suffered burns to his face, reports RTE.
Both sides have since denounced the events and committed to assisting gardaà with their ongoing inquiries.
The statement read: “Both clubs strongly condemn the actions of a small minority of individuals whose behaviour has no place in football, reports RTE.
“Damage was deliberately caused to Dundalk FC’s new pitch – a facility that serves not only the club’s first team but also hundreds of academy players and local community groups each week. This act of vandalism undermines the spirit of rivalry that should exist between our clubs and instead harms the wider football community in our region, and the reputation of the League of Ireland.
“During the same incident, flares thrown in the crowd resulted in an injury to a 12-year-old supporter, who sustained burns to his face. We are relieved that no further injuries occurred and extend our sincere thanks to the Order of Malta for their swift and professional response. Drogheda United FC officials have been in contact with the family and are offering their full support, reports RTE.
“Both Clubs would like to remind supporters of the dangers of pyrotechnics usage and the throwing of missiles inside stadia, which is illegal and strictly prohibited at all League of Ireland fixtures.
“Rivalry is part of what makes fixtures between Dundalk FC and Drogheda United FC so special. But it must always remain passionate, respectful and safe. There is no justification for actions that put lives at risk or damage facilities used by young people and the wider community.
“Both clubs will fully cooperate with An Garda SÃochána in relation to any investigation and will engage constructively with the FAI disciplinary process. Dundalk FC is currently assessing the full extent of the damage caused, and appropriate steps will be taken in response, reports RTE.
“Both clubs call on their supporters to stand together in rejecting this behaviour and to ensure that future fixtures are remembered for the football on the pitch, not incidents off it.”
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