Dundalk fan’s siege at FAI HQ
Paul McAllister, who works as a steward at Dundalk Football Club’s Oriel Park grounds, was arrested on public order offences. He spent the night in Pearse Street garda station, where he was assessed by a medical team.
Inspector John Keenan from Pearse Street station said: “At about half past two a man in his late 30s, wearing a Dundalk jersey, walked into the FAI headquarters and doused a room with petrol.”
He said the man was “peeved off” that the club had not been selected for the new Eircom League premier division.
He said the man demanded to speak to the manager of Dundalk football club, John Gill, and to speak to reporters.
Inspector Keenan said: “We were happy we would be able to resolve the situation without any serious injury being caused.”
The angry fan then told reporters: “The FAI have no respect for Dundalk football club and the ordinary Joe Soap supporters. A farce organisation has let the football club down.”
He proceeded to shout at everyone to get out as he was going to blow up the building in three minutes.
Mr Gill, who was brought to the building to speak to the angry fan, later remarked: “I’m just glad no one was hurt and I would appeal to Dundalk fans to remain calm.”
A number of neighbouring buildings on Merrion Square had to be evacuated.
Just before the fan was arrested by gardaí, he poured petrol over himself.
The FAI Christmas tree, also covered in petrol, had to be removed along with some furniture that had been damaged.
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