The FAI and the League of Ireland have confirmed record disciplinary sanctions against Drogheda United FC following serious flare incidents during their SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixture against Dundalk FC at Oriel Park a week ago.
In a flurry of late night statements, the details of the ruling, and the Minister’s reaction, bring to a close an incident that has dominated the airwaves, even bringing the Taoiseach into the debate throughout the week.
An Independent Disciplinary Committee imposed a €15,000 fine on Drogheda United — the highest financial penalty ever issued in the League of Ireland for a pyrotechnics offence — alongside a ban on Drogheda supporters attending the club’s next four away fixtures. In addition, Drogheda fans are prohibited from attending any fixtures at Oriel Park for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The sanctions follow an incident in which a significant number of pyrotechnic devices were ignited and thrown, resulting in injury to a minor and substantial damage to stadium infrastructure.
In a joint statement, the FAI and the League of Ireland said the severity of the sanctions reflected the magnitude of the incident, adding that while such behaviour is carried out by a minority of supporters, it “cannot be repeated in future and has no place in the League of Ireland.”
The governing bodies reiterated that the possession, use or throwing of pyrotechnics inside grounds is strictly prohibited at all League of Ireland fixtures and warned that further breaches could trigger even stronger disciplinary measures, including full or partial stadium closures and points deductions.
Beyond the immediate sanctions, the FAI and League have committed to a strengthened suite of safety and compliance measures aimed at tackling the ongoing challenge of pyrotechnics at matches.
From the 2027 League of Ireland season, adequate CCTV coverage will become a mandatory Club Licensing requirement for all grounds hosting league fixtures, aimed at improving identification of offenders. Enhanced detection measures at key entry points — including the potential use of specialist pyrotechnic detection dogs — will also be introduced.
Clubs will be empowered to refuse entry or eject individuals found engaging in illegal pyrotechnic activity, with stadium bans to follow.
The statement noted the serious dangers associated with pyrotechnics, including that devices burn at temperatures ranging from 700 to 2,500 degrees Celsius and can cause burns, explosive injuries, toxic smoke inhalation, hearing and eye damage, structural harm and panic in confined terraces.
Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport welcomed the outcome of the disciplinary process, describing the sanctions as decisive and necessary.
The Minister highlighted the €15,000 fine as the highest levy ever imposed for a pyrotechnics incident in the League of Ireland and pointed to the supporter bans as a clear signal of intent.
“Let’s not forget that a child was injured here, and it could have been far worse,” the Minister said, commending the FAI and League for acting swiftly and taking the matter seriously.
The Minister also noted the governing bodies’ commitment to introducing mandatory CCTV, enhanced stadium entry detection measures and the continued availability of sanctions such as stadium closures and points deductions for future offences.
He confirmed that full, normal engagement between the Department and the FAI and League of Ireland will now resume following the disciplinary action.
Image Credit: Sport for Business
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