League asks for calm in football rows

Following the fall-out from Monday night’s Premier Division clash between Shelbourne and Drogheda United, the eircom League authorities have released a statement calling for players and officials to behave in a manner commensurate with their position in the public eye.

The league will be investigating claims by Drogheda that club PRO Terry Collins was assaulted by Shelbourne chief executive Ollie Byrne, a claim denied by the Reds official.

Drogheda were unhappy with the actions of both Byrne and striker Jason Byrne, who they say made an obscene gesture to Drogs fans after scoring his dramatic late equaliser.

That pair were not the only Shels men to see red – manager Pat Fenlon and midfielder Stuart Byrne were sent off by referee John Feighery after criticizing match officials following Drogheda’s controversial third goal three minutes from time.

Chief executive Byrne has already courted trouble this season after clashing with Shamrock Rovers manager Roddy Collins prior to a league encounter back in June, and the league’s disciplinary body could decide to hand down a ban or a fine this time around.

The league’s statement reads: “The eircom League will not tolerate any behaviour that sullies the image of Irish domestic soccer.

“Any reported infringements on the field of play will be dealt with by the FAI Disciplinary Commission as well as the Executive of the eircom League where necessary.

"Clubs must realise that, at a time when there are a number of ongoing initiatives aimed at encouraging more people, especially families and young children, to attend eircom League matches, images of players, technical staff and officials engaging in any such behaviour is totally counter-productive and deeply damaging to the game as a whole.”

From 11 a side ;)