Dundalk threaten stadium bans for supporters found in possession of pyrotechnics

After a Bohemians player was hit by a flare last February, before a linesman was struck by a smoke bomb during a match last month, there was more pyro trouble in the League of Ireland last Monday during Dundalk’s Louth derby clash with Drogheda at Weavers Park.

The game was stopped on two occasions after flares from the away section were thrown onto the pitch, the second of which came right after the Lilywhites equalised, before they fell to a 2-1 defeat.

Dundalk are expecting a substantial fine from the FAI over the incident, following on from fines in each of their last two home games, and have tonight appealed to supporters to refrain from using pyro at matches, citing the possibility of closures of section of Oriel Park as well as reductions in future away allocations

“As all supporters are fully aware, the use of pyrotechnics is strictly prohibited at Oriel Park and at all League of Ireland grounds,” said Dundalk in a statement this evening.

“With that in mind, everyone at Dundalk FC is extremely disappointed, and very frustrated, by the behaviour of certain individuals over the course of our last three fixtures.

“Pyrotechnics were used in our recent home games against Bohemians and Shelbourne at Oriel Park, which led to the club being fined by the FAI.

“Flares were also thrown onto the pitch in Monday’s Louth Derby against Drogheda United at Weaver’s Park, leading to a lengthy stoppage when the team had just scored.

“This will also result in a substantial fine from the FAI and, as we have seen in recent months, could also lead to further disciplinary action, including the possible closure of sections at Oriel Park, and a reduction in our away allocation.

“In the past number of years, we have repeatedly issued statements and requests and engaged with supporters about the use of pyrotechnics but the reckless actions of a small minority continues to have a negative impact on Dundalk FC.

“As a result of this, the club’s security team will be proactive in identifying any individual who is in possession of pyrotechnics. They will be removed from the stadium and issued with an immediate ban from Oriel Park and every other League of Ireland ground.

“The team and management need our supporters more than ever but if you are going to hurt the club, on and off the field, you are not welcome at Oriel Park.”

Following Monday’s defeat to Drogheda, their first in almost two years, Dundalk boss Noel King was asked by the Irish Independent about the incident.

“It should not be done but it’s happened, I can't do anything about that. I suppose it did (hurt our momentum). We were on a buzz, but I have no comments on that one,” said King.