Angry fans set to launch formal complaint as protests curbed

Irish supporters who were critical of the FAI for their handling of the ticket distribution for Ireland’s game in Glasgow, now say that they are "shocked and angered" by what they allege was "heavy-handed treatment" of a protest they sought to mount at Tuesday’s game against the USA in the Aviva Stadium.

The You Boys In Green (YBIG) supporters’ group say the reaction on the night by stadium personnel included “the removal of banners as well intimidation and manhandling of supporters, resulting (in) a completely unnecessary escalation of tension.” In a statement, they went on: “Supporters were stunned to be welcomed upon arrival at the game by such a heavy security presence in the South Stand Lower This included a number of uniformed members of An Garda Síochána. It must be noted that the section had never been involved in any behaviour that attracted Garda presence in the past. This level of security was specifically targeted at this section, and was not replicated around the ground. The FAI confiscated banners before and during the game, despite these being fully compliant with all ground rules and regulations.

“In addition, in an attempt to remove banners being displayed in Section 114, stewards manhandled supporters. In no way do banners such as ‘#supportdoesntwork’ and ‘Fans After Income’ create any risk to crowd safety.