Dundalk protester doused FAI building with petrol

Staff were today evacuated from the central Dublin headquarters of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) after a protester doused furniture and a Christmas tree with petrol.

The man, believed to be a disgruntled Dundalk FC fan, emerged from the Merrion Square building after an 90-minute stand-off with gardaí and then threw more fuel on himself before he was arrested.

The south side of Merrion Square, which is close to the Dáil, was sealed off by gardaí while they attempted to negotiate with the man.

There were tense moments after the man poured the petrol over himself outside the building and gardai feared what he would do next.

The FAI decided on Monday to promote Galway United Football Club to the Eircom Premier Division at the expense of Dundalk which currently tops Division One.

A witness said of today's incident: "The man was wearing a Dundalk FC shirt. He doused office chairs and a Christmas tree in the reception area of the building with petrol.

"He then poured more fuel on his head outside on the steps before putting his hands up.

"He was shouting something like: 'I have no problem with Galway, but Dundalk fans deserve justice.'

"Gardaí then arrested him and took him away in a patrol vehicle."

Earlier, the protester tied a makeshift banner to the railings of the Georgian building which mentioned Dundalk FC's manager John Gill.

It read: "Dundalk fans want justice. John Gill's (club manager) army on tour."

After the incident, staff opened the windows of the building to allow petrol fumes to escape.

Five padded chairs and a Christmas tree with decorations - which were doused with petrol - were also taken outside by staff.

A Garda spokesperson said: "Officers are interviewing a man in connection with today's incident."