Drogheda United fans have been banned by the FAI from attending the club’s next four away fixtures after flares were thrown on the Oriel Park pitch during last Friday’s Louth derby against Dundalk FC.
An Independent Disciplinary Committee of the FAI also imposed a €15,000 fine on the club, in addition to banning Drogheda supporters from all fixtures at Oriel Park for the remainder of the season.
Drogheda’s next four away games are against Sligo Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic, Derry City and Waterford.
A statement from the FAI issued on Thursday evening read: “Following the Premier Division fixture between Dundalk and Drogheda United on February 20th, during which a significant number of pyrotechnic devices were ignited and thrown resulting in an injury to a minor and substantial damage to Oriel Park, an independent disciplinary committee of the FAI has imposed the sanctions.
“Such conduct presents a serious and unacceptable risk to public safety, causes damage to facilities and will continue to result in disciplinary action.”
The FAI added: “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.”
On Sunday, the clubs issued a joint-statement condemning the scenes.
Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan, who was present at the match at Oriel Park, paused State funding for astro pitches following the incident. Responding to news of the sanctions, he welcomed the outcome of the Independent Disciplinary Committee’s review.
The Minister also commended the FAI and League “for acting swiftly and decisively”, adding he appreciated 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,” a statement from O’Donovan read.
Drogheda have been contacted for comment.