Fixtures weekend 20/23rd Feb

[Glen Of Aherlow]

Bull****. FFG nonsense.
She’s a drogs fan, she probably knows a huge amount of fans who were present, and is being extremely foolish in thinking they can ignore this away.
Dundalk I feel sorry for, ridiculous that they foot the bill, FAI should have stepped in, issued a 70k fine to drogs and put them on a ground closure notice that going forward flares are banned in their support.

They’re her voters she can’t afford to slag them off

[oriel]

Exactly why whataboutaery about oriel facilities is bullcrap. If Dundalk had opened a brand new block of toilers friday they'd have been smashed to bits. Utter scumbags who were dragged up by the knuckles.

You may not have been too far away from this logic, Dundalk have funding and almost ready to go planning for 2 perm toilet blocks at the away end of the ground, one for away fans, one at the YDC side for home fans. Running water and everything !!!

Both should be in place around April, maybe good timing, but there is another Drogs visit in the summer..................

[Nesta99]

Bull****. FFG nonsense.She’s a drogs fan, she probably knows a huge amount of fans who were present, and is being extremely foolish in thinking they can ignore this away.Dundalk I feel sorry for, ridiculous that they foot the bill, FAI should have stepped in, issued a 70k fine to drogs and put them on a ground closure notice that going forward flares are banned in their support.It isnt nonsense! Its actually pragmatic by SF to instruct her to say nothing. She ran the risk of damaging her reputation by associating with these people and they have let her down. She has photos with the goups in the same week they were stating online what they were planning. She knew what they were planning and didnt put a stop to it! It isnt hard to paint a picture for her and her party know that. She may subsequently have given comment after significant pressure from the IT but it is carefully curated while also not outright condemning the group responsible, the group she is closely affiliated with. This group has formally cavassed for Byrne during election time. Now what is FFG about her being associated closely with a group guilty of criminal damage and serious injury to a 12 year old child, it is fact. With many other infractions in the past. There isnt a pivot to whataboutery here - If the SSA have contributed to issues on crowd behaviour its wrong but they are not associated closely with a sitting TD and one with loftier ambition. If Byrne has any sense and ambition for her political career then she needs to distance herself from reputational liabilities like the F45. She has a blind spot so her party intervened. The main SF office in the county is in Dundalk, the vast majority of current and past elected SF reps are based in Dundalk. Do you think that Dundalk people havent spoken to their elected rep on their concerns and one being Byrnes association with the culprits on Friday night. Some people looking for a pound of flesh and some with concern for their party in terms of reputational damage locally now and nationally if Byrne ends up being proposed for a national portfolio job one day.Dont be so quck to jump to accuse other party's presentation of things Dermo. SF are canny enough to know spot risk themselves and that they cant be dismissed as fake ala Donald Trump. SF, like it or not still have to manage their own history and in many ways distance themselves from much of it. Its common sense or total folly not to.

[Longfordian]

€15k fine, four match ban on Drogs fans at away games, and a season long ban on Drogs fans at Oriel. Seems to punish Dundalk more than Drogs from a financial perspective. Though I guess it prevents a repeat for now.

[nigel-harps1954]

€15,000 fine for Drogheda, an away supporters ban for the next four games, and no away support in Oriel for the rest of 2026. Don't think they went far enough.

[Roones26]

Is there a fear that if they went harder, they would destabilise Drogs? With all the hinted at possiblity of the Americans pulling out ?

[Yossarian]

They really should have gone with a home game stadium ban. This punishment isn’t really going to bother the lads who caused all this. And I don’t think the possibility of their owners pulling out should have any influence on the punishment handed out.
It’s also not much of a deterrent to anyone else doing the same.

[brendy_éire]

€15k fine, four match ban on Drogs fans at away games, and a season long ban on Drogs fans at Oriel. Seems to punish Dundalk more than Drogs from a financial perspective. Though I guess it prevents a repeat for now.

Always the problem with away game bans that the home team may be punished. Probably the most sensible option at this stage though. I think a home game ban, or partial closure would have been very harsh.

No mention of the fine money going to the repair of the pitch, but maybe it'll happen in the background?

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Costs us and a few other teams a few grand and nothing to do with us

[Buckett]

Costs us and a few other teams a few grand and nothing to do with us

But you will have less costs too. No need for security. I've no idea of costs but I'd say the loss will be quite small.

[Kiki Balboa]

I really dont understand away fan bans.

Ban there home games FFS

[Kiki Balboa]

I really dont understand away fan bans.

Ban there home games FFS

3 of the furthest away games too.

Drogheda normally dont even bring many to Oriel Park until recently.

[Roones26]

"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."Hvaing read the statement I actually think this is more interesting piece - expensive experience for everyone with that i guess everyone will have to invest in CCTV

[Longfordian]

Shouldn't be all that expensive to put in a few cameras in strategic places around the ground you would think. Good news for pyro detecting dogs also, presumably they're the dogs who aren't good enough to be in the drugs units.

[Yossarian]

It’s hardly going to be that expensive considering Drogheda had a media person filming the whole display last week from the pitch.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

But you will have less costs too. No need for security. I've no idea of costs but I'd say the loss will be quite small.

It’ll be a few grand that we’re losing through no fault of our own.

[joey B]

Shouldn't be all that expensive to put in a few cameras in strategic places around the ground you would think. Good news for pyro detecting dogs also, presumably they're the dogs who aren't good enough to be in the drugs units.

Could they double up as alternate angles for LOIV is the real question!

[oriel]

It’ll be a few grand that we’re losing through no fault of our own.

It could be a lot more than that, with the Sat night it attracts more, so if even 350 Drogs had gone, that's over 5k gate loss for Sligo. Losses too to their local bus companies and also bars / food spots at away locations. Same for visits to Pats, Derry, and Waterford.

The punishment was far too lenient, should have been where it hurts most, a home game behind closed doors, or partial stadium ban, bigger fine etc.

Overall their away fans ban is is actually 5 games as they're also banned from the summer game at Dundalk, not that they'll be missed.

[outspoken]

It’s hardly going to be that expensive considering Drogheda had a media person filming the whole display last week from the pitch.

Dan McDonnell has been chirping on about this a good bit. Any idea who it was that recorded the "display?"

[Shinkicker]

Drogheda Utds next four way games are Sligo, Pats, Derry and Galway, these clubs have been punished due to the fact they won't fill the away end with home supporters. Drogheda should have received at least 2 home match supporter bans. Then they as a club would do more to weed out the rats who caused this and and take the issue more seriously.

[Dermobohs]

Home supporter ban , yes but partiallly, the older heads in the stand should be still ok.
I’d have added a 70k fine and passed it on to Dundalk too.

[Stevie mac]

Dan McDonnell has been chirping on about this a good bit. Any idea who it was that recorded the "display?"

It was recorded on the pitch so it was an accredited person from the media. Its shouldn't be too hard to find out who it was.

The fact the famous 4 5 years group put it up on their socials illustrates their guilt ans responsiblly for the action. But wait aren't they being protected by a particular co-chair/TD

[ontheotherhand]

It was recorded on the pitch so it was an accredited person from the media. Its shouldn't be too hard to find out who it was.

The fact the famous 4 5 years group put it up on their socials illustrates their guilt ans responsiblly for the action. But wait aren't they being protected by a particular co-chair/TD

The first part is the thing for me.

Drogs have now brought collective punishment on the league, and the clubs they were due to play away in particular, because they won't single out the famous 45s and send them to the guards. Criminal charges should have been the answer here. This wasn't some random toerags acting out. It was premeditated and bragged about, not to mentioned filmed by someone who is obviously known to the club.

This was a chance to take responsible action and instead, they've circled the wagons and hurt the league as a whole. Outside of the away ban, the image of the league has taken a hit and our ability to create a unique atmosphere, that while not to everyone's taste, is imop a big driver in fan growth.

Sadly this season hasn't even got going and it's getting more bad publicity than anything else. My own club isn't covering itself in glory either.

[legendz]

Drogheda Utds next four way games are Sligo, Pats, Derry and Galway, these clubs have been punished due to the fact they won't fill the away end with home supporters.

A plague on their houses. The minister is pleased.

[Stevie mac]

https://www.dundalkfc.com/pyros-change-starts-now

Strong statement from Dundalk going forward.

[pineapple stu]

It’ll be a few grand that we’re losing through no fault of our own.
Split the €15k between the impacted clubs - everyone's happy

[legendz]

Dundalk are to pay for €70k repairs but the fine for the damage is only €15k.

[Glen Of Aherlow]

Dundalk are to pay for €70k repairs but the fine for the damage is only €15k.

Dundalk have released statement and say € 70k is not correct , it’s not that much but still substantial

[pineapple stu]

Would it not be covered by insurance?

[Kiki Balboa]

Would it not be covered by insurance?

The cost for Insurance will then skyrocket for Dundalk (and other LOI clubs). You might be better off doing it out of pocket. (Although I have no idea on the costs).


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I am pretty angry by the fact that Drogheda have not called out the the group involved, and have taken the easy way out by blaming unnamed "individuals".

The F47 unfurled a banner that said "Back once again with the ill behaviour" and threw the flares simultaneously, and then celebrated it online with a video showing the damage.

To pretend its some bad faith individuals is cowardice at the highest level. No one has been banned yet, not even those who publicly celebrated the vandalism online.

Drogheda fans are obsessed at the moment with trying to validate or soften the behaviour.

Ultimately, there is no excuses to not improving Oriel Park, no matter how small or big. But as said elsewhere, if new toilets were installed, they would have been ripped out. Very fustrating.

[pineapple stu]

The cost for Insurance will then skyrocket for Dundalk (and other LOI clubs). You might be better off doing it out of pocket. (Although I have no idea on the costs).
Maybe - but if it goes up for other clubs, then at least Drogheda pay a portion. Or the cost is spread out and it's easier for Dundalk to manage. That's ultimately one of the main points of insurance. Of course in the end, you end up paying the cost through your insurance, but still.

[ontheotherhand]

Maybe - but if it goes up for other clubs, then at least Drogheda pay a portion. Or the cost is spread out and it's easier for Dundalk to manage. That's ultimately one of the main points of insurance. Of course in the end, you end up paying the cost through your insurance, but still.

So Drogs get to hurt other clubs on another front? 😂

[pineapple stu]

Consider it making a contribution of their own!

[Mr_Parker]

"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."Hvaing read the statement I actually think this is more interesting piece - expensive experience for everyone with that i guess everyone will have to invest in CCTV

I previously posted about the ineffectiveness of CCTV when it comes to trying to identify people in such groups to gain enough evidence to take action.


Shouldn't be all that expensive to put in a few cameras in strategic places around the ground you would think. Good news for pyro detecting dogs also, presumably they're the dogs who aren't good enough to be in the drugs units.

Dogs have a very short working time, approx 20 minutes, and then need a 20 minute break. Then there is the cost which would be considerable. Was considered at one point in the Irish League and dismissed.

[SkStu]

The cost for Insurance will then skyrocket for Dundalk (and other LOI clubs). You might be better off doing it out of pocket. (Although I have no idea on the costs).


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I am pretty angry by the fact that Drogheda have not called out the the group involved, and have taken the easy way out by blaming unnamed "individuals".

The F47 unfurled a banner that said "Back once again with the ill behaviour" and threw the flares simultaneously, and then celebrated it online with a video showing the damage.

To pretend its some bad faith individuals is cowardice at the highest level. No one has been banned yet, not even those who publicly celebrated the vandalism online.

Drogheda fans are obsessed at the moment with trying to validate or soften the behaviour.

Ultimately, there is no excuses to not improving Oriel Park, no matter how small or big. But as said elsewhere, if new toilets were installed, they would have been ripped out. Very fustrating.

maybe im just really, really old and uncool now but that is so cringey...

[Nesta99]

They should be forcibly disbanded for a number of reasons including the banner. So a bunch of fans can state in advance on their social media pages what they have planned, the can then act out the planned scumbaggery, can show videos of their conduct on a commissioned and format on their dedicated social media page and manage not to be mentioned in any of the reports or disciplinary investigations. Are the FAI that meek, Drogheda that beholden to this group or does Byrne really put her neck on the line to protect them. The F45 should have received a specific ban, now they could have gone to games as themselves rather than as a group but the group needed to be held accountable in a significant way. There is no deterrent in this. What will happen now is a daft individual will set off a flare between UCD and Kerry or some other benign pairing and they will have to play BCD. Also how much is it per flare to be fined? Almost 80 flares were counted in the away section in Oriel over two periods, so standard fine + 15k? Drogs officials are breathing deep with relief.

[Kiki Balboa]

Fair play to Drogheda.

[Nesta99]

Which is the club doing the right thing by paying for the repairs in Oriel. But imo it still leaves the culprits off scot free and laughing at their good nights work.

[oriel]

https://droghedaunited.ie/dufc-statement/

Have to say full marks to Drogs and not often I will say that, really fair play by them.

[Longfordian]

Dogs have a very short working time, approx 20 minutes, and then need a 20 minute break. Then there is the cost which would be considerable. Was considered at one point in the Irish League and dismissed.

Much like the guards.

[Stevie mac]

Which is the club doing the right thing by paying for the repairs in Oriel. But imo it still leaves the culprits off scot free and laughing at their good nights work.

I agree. Fair play on offering to pay the costs but I think a chance is missed to get rid of pyro (full stadium bans for the beligerents)

This probably draws a line under the whole debacle

[Nesta99]

Not just pyro, but that there are lines not to cross on all conduct, and for the record I tend to hold my own clubs fans to the highest bar due to embarrassment felt when we're let down, so not that I just want some Drogs fans to suffer. It is a missed opportunity to show those that care least that there are direct consequences.

[outspoken]

You can just say we've identified people and sanctioned them. How many and what is the punishment? Sounds like a cosy little arrangement. They've done the right thing in paying for damage tho

[Glen Of Aherlow]

You can just say we've identified people and sanctioned them. How many and what is the punishment? Sounds like a cosy little arrangement. They've done the right thing in paying for damage tho

Before I say this , the damage caused at Oriel was 100 % down to the Drogheda fans who caused it
It was apparently all over their social media in the week before what they were planning to do . With the nature of social media did no one from Dundalk get wind if this ? and if they did , why were the Drogheda fans not banned in advance due to the threat of trouble ?

[ontheotherhand]

You can just say we've identified people and sanctioned them. How many and what is the punishment? Sounds like a cosy little arrangement. They've done the right thing in paying for damage tho

Spot on. That statement is very weak imop. What are the sanctions?

Paying for the damage is good but it won't help the overall image of the league really. A harder line should have been taken with those responsible.

But great to see flares all over the place last night and a few callouts for the minister.

[Stevie mac]

Before I say this , the damage caused at Oriel was 100 % down to the Drogheda fans who caused it
It was apparently all over their social media in the week before what they were planning to do . With the nature of social media did no one from Dundalk get wind if this ? and if they did , why were the Drogheda fans not banned in advance due to the threat of trouble ?

Dundalk released a statement a day before the game that added security checks would take place

https://www.dundalkfc.com/important-match-information-louth-derby

Even though the club were probably braced for pyros and flares I don't think there was an expectation that they'd be lit and fired straight away and thrown as missiles before the flare even reached max temperature.

[Longfordian]

Spot on. That statement is very weak imop. What are the sanctions?

Paying for the damage is good but it won't help the overall image of the league really. A harder line should have been taken with those responsible.

But great to see flares all over the place last night and a few callouts for the minister.

I suspect the FAI didn't think it was too great so I'd say the club can expect heavier than usual fines for it.

[ontheotherhand]

I suspect the FAI didn't think it was too great so I'd say the club can expect heavier than usual fines for it.

Which club? There were flares at loads of games.

[Mr_Parker]

Before I say this , the damage caused at Oriel was 100 % down to the Drogheda fans who caused it
It was apparently all over their social media in the week before what they were planning to do . With the nature of social media did no one from Dundalk get wind if this ? and if they did , why were the Drogheda fans not banned in advance due to the threat of trouble ?

If we all took note of what appears on social media, no one would leave the house.

[Longfordian]

Which club? There were flares at loads of games.

All clubs whose fans let off flares. I'll be shocked if they don't come down hard on them after last weekend.