Sligo apologise to Glens for bus vandals

The organising committee of the Setanta Sports Cup are confident the incident which marred Sligo Rovers’ 2-0 quarter-final defeat of Glentoran at the Showgrounds was a rarity and unlikely to be repeated.

Sligo Rovers confirmed yesterday a visiting Glentoran bus was broken into, a handbag was stolen and human excrement left inside.

“We understand that this regrettable incident took place at the Showgrounds and we would expect the initial investigations to take place by Sligo Rovers FC,” said Milo Corcoran, chairman of the Setanta Sports Cup organising committee.

“If their investigations can identify the culprits then those people should be duly punished and the situation is also a matter for the Gardaí.

“All clubs have to take responsibility for the behaviour of those people who attend their matches but an incident of vandalism such as this is extremely unusual and I would expect it to be very unlikely that any such incident would be repeated in the future.”

Sligo Rovers issued a full apology on their website yesterday.

“Sligo Rovers are appalled and disgusted by the alleged incidents and we wish to offer our deepest apologies to Glentoran Football Club and their supporters.

“The occasion, being enjoyed by both sets of fans, was ruined by the action of a very small minority that clearly have no respect for visitors to Sligo or the football clubs.

“We take responsibility as it occurred in our ground and it is extremely disappointing to us.

“Sligo Rovers have offered to pay for the cleaning of the Glentoran Supporters Bus, the cost of the items stolen from the bus and will make a donation to a charity tied with Glentoran FC.

“We will endeavour to show our regret at what must have been a hugely upsetting night for all associated with Glentoran and hope to repair relations between the clubs.”

Sligo travel north to Glentoran on Tuesday, March 20, for the second leg of the tie.