Rovers vow probe into fans’ ugly Oriel scenes

SHAMROCK ROVERS estimate that no more than “10 to 15’’ of their supporters were involved in the crowd trouble at Oriel Park on Monday night and the club says that “serious action” will be taken against anyone identified as having taken part in the ugly scenes which marred Dundalk’s 2-1 win.

Both the club and the FAI are investigating the incident which erupted following the sending off of Rovers’ James Chambers followed by the dismissal of manager Michael O’Neill with 10 minutes to go.

A small number of the travelling support began throwing bottles and other objects on to the pitch, forcing the game to be held up for seven minutes while gardaí and stewards attempted to restore order.

Yesterday, Rovers condemned the behaviour of what the club called “so-called fans” although it estimated that the trouble involved no more than “10 to 15” out of the 500 Dublin fans who had travelled north for the game.

“A full investigation will be carried out by the club,” said a Rovers spokesperson, “and serious action will be taken against anyone identified as having taken part in the incident. We have requested the video footage of the game from Setanta Sports in order to aid us in this matter.

“These people do not represent Shamrock Rovers, and are not wanted at our club. Since moving to Tallaght, we regularly attract crowds of around 4,000 people, including many families, and these dozen or so individuals do not fit in at Shamrock Rovers.

“We understand the FAI is carrying out an investigation into the incident; and we intend to fully co-operate with that inquiry.”

While Rovers are considering lifetime bans for those deemed culpable, the FAI have already begun their investigation into the incident.

Airtricity League of Ireland director Fran Gavin, who was present at the game, said: “We have requested the TV footage, we are awaiting reports from the match delegate and the referee and we will be speaking to both clubs and the gardaí.

“Shamrock Rovers have worked very closely with their support in the last few seasons and have been a model club in that area, and I’m sure the people in charge of Rovers will get those involved. It was a very small minority of a large travelling support.”

The trouble-makers were also condemned by Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern who was among the home supporters in Oriel Park. Calling for the culprits to be identified and banned for life from football grounds, he described the events as “an absolute disgrace.”

He added: “The behaviour of some sections of Shamrock Rovers fans was mindless and left some in the ground fearing for their safety.

“If it wasn’t for the quick reaction and professionalism of the gardaí who quelled the riot there could have been some serious injuries.

“They deserve everyone’s gratitude who was present in Oriel Park.”

Gardaí said its officers dispersed a small number of fans after the game broke up.

A spokesman said there were no injuries and no arrests were made.