Minister Patrick O’Donovan has ordered a pause on “any and all” Government funding for astroturf projects at League of Ireland clubs after flare incidents at Oriel Park left a 12-year-old supporter injured and caused damage to a newly installed pitch.
A visibly angry Minister speaking at the launch of the NFL Economic Value report today said that he wants those responsible identified, arrested and brought to justice.
The incident occurred during Friday night’s SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixture between Dundalk FC and Drogheda United FC. Flares thrown within the crowd resulted in facial burns to a young supporter and scorch damage to the artificial surface, which had been part-funded by a €500,000 Government grant.
O’Donovan, who was in attendance at the match for the official unveiling of the upgraded pitch and floodlights, described witnessing “taxpayers’ money literally going up in smoke” as the surface was damaged.
The Minister condemned what he termed “gougerism and thuggery” and demanded that football authorities confront what he described as hooliganism among a minority of supporters.
“Any and all astroturf funding going into League of Ireland clubs are to be stopped until I’m satisfied that the FAI and LOI will take this seriously,” he said, adding that he did not want “shoulder shrugging” in response to his concerns.
While acknowledging that the move could be viewed as punishing all clubs for the actions of a minority — describing it as a “plague on all your houses” approach — the Minister insisted the measure was necessary to protect State investment and ensure the safety of supporters.
He also confirmed he has contacted the Minister for Justice regarding ongoing crowd trouble issues and said the league must “root out these gougers” responsible for bringing pyrotechnics into grounds.
Both Dundalk and Drogheda condemned the behaviour over the weekend, describing it as the actions of a “minority of individuals” that does not reflect their clubs or the wider supporter base.
The clubs confirmed they are cooperating with An Garda Síochána and league officials as investigations continue.
The FAI also issued a statement through the League of Ireland, strongly condemning the incidents.
“The League of Ireland strongly condemns the actions of a minority of supporters at last weekend’s SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixture between Dundalk FC and Drogheda United FC at Oriel Park,” the statement read.
“We are currently reviewing the Match Delegate report from the fixture and all available evidence. As part of this review, an investigation is underway into incidents that occurred at the fixture in collaboration with both clubs, An Garda Síochána and all stakeholders. Further information will be supplied once this process has been completed.”
The league added that it welcomes recent Government investment in facility development and will continue to work closely with the Department of Sport and the Minister on future improvements.
The funding pause comes at a time when League of Ireland clubs have been benefiting from increased State support for infrastructure upgrades, including pitch improvements, lighting, accessibility works and stadium modernisation projects aimed at capitalising on record attendances and renewed public interest.
However, the Minister’s intervention signals that future investment will now be contingent on strengthened crowd management, enforcement measures and clear evidence that clubs and governing bodies are addressing safety risks.
The 12-year-old injured in the incident has received medical treatment, and Gardaí are examining CCTV and other evidence as part of their inquiries. Disciplinary sanctions from the league are also expected once the review process concludes.
For now, funding streams for new astroturf installations and related developments across the League of Ireland remain on hold, with the Government awaiting concrete proposals from the FAI and league leadership on how supporter misconduct will be tackled decisively.
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