Sir,- As a Drogheda United supporter, I want to express my deep concern following the events at Oriel Park in Dundalk and the subsequent comments from the Minister for Sport, Patrick O’Donovan (“‘It was like an air raid’: Minister halts funding for League of Ireland astro pitches after Louth derby scenes,” February 23rd). Like many fans, I was appalled that a child was injured. That should never happen at a football match and those responsible must face consequences.
However, we also need to calm down and respond proportionately. The vast majority of League of Ireland supporters attend matches to back their clubs and communities, not to cause harm. Punishing the entire game by halting funding or introducing sweeping new powers risks damaging clubs, volunteers and young players far more than the small minority responsible.
There is a practical, targeted solution. Possession of pyrotechnics at matches should be treated as a clear offence, with banning orders similar to ASBOs (Anti-Social Behaviour Orders) applied to offenders. Anyone caught bringing or using flares should face immediate, nationwide stadium bans across all competitions. Remove the individuals and you remove the problem.
Strong action is needed, but it must be focused and effective. Calm heads and targeted enforcement will protect supporters, protect public investment and protect the future of Irish football. – Yours, etc,
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MICHAEL O’DOWD
Drogheda,
Co Louth.
Sir, – How sad that a twelve-year-old child had to be taken to hospital after being hit by a flare.
The practice of throwing flares on to pitches is endemic throughout the League.
The League of Ireland bears ultimate responsibility.
How many fines have they levied on clubs during the past three years for flares? – Yours, etc,
PATRICK CALLAN,
Portmarnock,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – The damage to a large section of Dundalk FC’s brand new pitch – by flares thrown from the away section at the start of last Friday’s Louth derby against Drogheda United – could turn out to be a large own goal for the League of Ireland.
Although only a handful of mindless thugs were responsible, all League of Ireland clubs could suffer. The Minister for Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, who was in attendance to cut the ribbon on the new pitch, has since spoken about pausing further funding for astro surfaces in League of Ireland grounds.
The game was live on terrestrial television; I can’t blame those watching if the horrific spectacle puts them off attending a live game.
The League of Ireland has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons. The Damien Duff factor, Brexit, the LOI TV streaming platform, increased sponsorship and investment, and the new player pathway have all contributed to this. Crowds have been flocking back to stadiums. Dublin derbies are sold out.
But last Friday’s events were a setback. There is no point in progressing if we are going to attract hooliganism; we will very quickly regress. We need swift and decisive action to restore the safety factor at games; otherwise the cost to the league may be far in excess of the financial cost of repairing Dundalk’s pitch. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN QUIGLEY,
Drumcondra,
Dublin 9.
