Shels and Rovers officials in fracas

SHELBOURNE chief executive Ollie Byrne and Shamrock Rovers’ manager Roddy Collins clashed before last night’s game between the two sides and the Shelbourne man was left nursing a head wound.

The clash happened one hour before kick off when Byrne approached Collins to argue the point over a radio interview given by Collins in which he said t Shelbourne would not win any trophies this year.

During a heated exchange, blows were exchanged though the scuffle was broken up before gardaí arrived.

The gardaí confirmed that no complaint had been received from either individual and both men were allowed to fulfil their duties last night with Byrne in the director’s box and Collins in the Rovers’ dugout.

The incident will be included in reports from the game and further action may be taken.

The relationship between Byrne and Shamrock Rovers has deteriorated in recent weeks after the Shelbourne man accused Rovers’ supporters of being involved in violence outside Tolka Park before the Setanta Cup final between Shelbourne and Linfield.

Rovers denied that any supporters were involved and last night fans produced a number of banners with one being removed early in the match.