League investigation calls for urgent action to improve game’s image

AN eircom League investigation into incidents at three highly-charged Dublin derbies has called for urgent action to be taken to help improve the image of the domestic game.

The Investigations Committee was established to examine trouble at the Bohemians v Shelbourne game on May 27, the Shamrock Rovers v Bohs fixture on June 4 and the Shelbourne v Rovers match on June 17.

For the Bohemians v Shelbourne game, the Committee accepted the evidence of Shels manager Pat Fenlon that Bohemians supporters verbally abused him on the night. It criticised the use of flares by supporters and of stewarding which failed to prevent a pitch invasion. Despite “strenuous denials” by Bohs, the Committee concluded there was “a level of tolerance” towards the fans’ protest.