As a result of the damage caused to facilities at Oriel Park during their Premier Division clash with Dundalk on Friday last, the League of Ireland’s disciplinary committee has imposed sanctions on Drogheda United, including a ban on supporters attending their next four away games.

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.

Before the game, fans clashed outside the ground.

Both Dundalk and Drogheda condemned the incidents and have pledged to cooperate with gardaí in their investigations.

The four-game ban means that Drogheda will have no fans present for their trips to Sligo Rovers (7 March), St Patrick’s Athletic (13 March), Derry City (20 March) and Waterford (10 April).

The others sanctions are a fine of €15,000 and a ban on supporters attending all fixtures at Oriel Park for the remainder of the 2026 season.

A statement from the League of Ireland read: “These significant sanctions have been deemed necessary by the Independent Disciplinary Committee considering the magnitude of the incident.

“While this incident and the use of pyrotechnics are carried out by a minority of supporters, these unacceptable events cannot be repeated in future and have no place in the League of Ireland.

“Following the sanctions issued by the Independent Disciplinary Committee, supporters are also reminded that the range of sanctions available to the Committee in relation to pyrotechnics offences include significant fines, full or partial stadium closures, points deductions

“Alongside this record level of sanction, the League of Ireland and the FAI are committed to bolstering our efforts to combat the challenge that pyrotechnics presents at our stadia.”

This commitment includes:

“Mandatory Club Licensing requirements from the 2027 League of Ireland Season for adequate CCTV which will assist with the identification of any persons found to be engaging in the illegal use of pyrotechnics.

“Enhanced detection measures at key entry points to our stadiums such as the use of pyrotechnic detection dogs.

“Refusal of entry and / or ejection from the stadium if a person is engaging in this activity followed by a stadium ban.”

Minister for Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, commended the FAI and League of Ireland “for acting swiftly and decisively”.

He added: “I appreciate them taking this matter so seriously.

“I have instructed full, normal engagement resume between my Department and the FAI together with the League on foot of this significant disciplinary action.”

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