Drogheda and Dundalk condemn fan trouble at derby game

Drogheda United and Dundalk have issued a joint statement condemning crowd trouble at Friday night's Louth derby, which resulted in major damage to the pitch at Oriel Park.

There was trouble before the game with fans clashing outside Clarke train station on the Carrick Road, while after the game, gardaí arrested a man in his 20s after responding to a report of a public order incident on Carrickmacross Road.

Inside the stadium, several flares were thrown by the Drogheda fans onto the newly relaid artificial surface, causing multiple burn marks and significant damage to the pitch.

A 12-year-old child was also struck by a flare and sustained burns to his face.

This morning both clubs have condemned the incidents and pledged to cooperate with gardaí in their investigations.

The statement read: "Both clubs strongly condemn the actions of a small minority of individuals whose behaviour has no place in football.

"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.

"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 Síochána 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.

"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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