Shamrock Rovers 400 Club Press Statement
Shamrock Rovers 400 Club Press Statement
Issued May 27, 2005
The Shamrock Rovers 400 Club would like to refute claims by officials of Shelbourne FC and subsequently by officials of the Shelbourne supporters club, which were widely reported in the media over the course of the last week. It was alleged that "thugs wearing the green & white hooped shirts of Shamrock Rovers" attacked fans of Linfield FC. The attacks were alleged to have happened prior to the Setanta Cup Final at Tolka Park on Saturday 21st May.
The 400 Club has investigated the allegations made against Shamrock Rovers fans with the appropriate authorities. The Gardai in Santry, who were responsible for the policing outside the ground, reported only minor disturbances and were happy to confirm that it was a "relatively incident-free game" with no evidence of any Rovers fans being involved in any of the minor incidents reported. The security firm responsible for the matchday organisation also confirmed that no Rovers fans were involved in any such incidents. A number of fans were ejected from the stadium, none of whom were identified as Rovers fans.
At a time when the 400 Club is attempting to promote Shamrock Rovers FC and the role fans can play in securing the future of their great club, the allegations made are a cause of great concern and have come at a very delicate time for the club with potentially damaging consequences.
The 400 Club has sought legal advice on the allegations made by Shelboune officials and is seeking a retraction of the same as well as a full and frank apology by those who have made such claims, together with those sections of the media who reported them without corroboration from the appropriate authorities.
