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.

In terms of the abuse of players and coaches, the report highlighted the absence of a players’ tunnel at Dalymount Park and the proximity of the bar to the technical area were highlighted as contributory factors.

Shelbourne’s failure to attend the pre-match security briefing was described as “unacceptable.”

Turning to the Rovers-Bohs game on June 4, the Committee accepted the match delegate’s report that stewarding was insufficient and led directly to problems in removing Bohs fans from the stand after the game which, in turn, sparked a pitch invasion by Rovers fans and damage to some signage around the ground. The report also found the decision to hold back Rovers supporters - the home fans - helped provoke the pitch invasion.

The Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers game on June 17 - which saw “offensive banners” on display and yet another pitch invasion - was played, according to the committee, in an atmosphere heightened by “pre-match hysteria” brought on by allegations made by both clubs in the media about the conduct of each other’s supporters around the Setanta Cup final.

The committee deferred further comment on the alleged altercation between Shels CEO Ollie Byrne and Rovers manager Roddy Collins at Tolka Park that night, on the grounds the matter is now sub judice.

The Committee noted that between May 2004 and June 2005, officials of the three clubs were collectively the subject of 17 sanctions by the Leagues Disciplinary Commission.

The report also said some teenagers saw the matches as a chance to engage in hooliganism.

Among the recommendations for tackling the problems highlighted in its report are that the eircom League should adopt a Code of Ethics for club officials, managers, players and fans; that it extend the authority of its Disciplinary Commission; that the remit of match delegates be strengthened; and that visiting teams should provide a suitable number of stewards for high-risk games.

Last night the eircom League Board of Control approved the report and said its recommendations will be implemented in full.