FAI issues apology for offence caused to Ireland supporters over Amsterdam delays

18 November 2023; Republic of Ireland supporters before the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship qualifying group B match between Netherlands and Republic of Ireland at Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The FAI has apologised for seemingly blaming Ireland supporters for fan delays in accessing last November's Euro 2024 qualifier with the Netherlands at the Amsterdam Arena.

Ireland fans had difficulty accessing the stadium with many still outside the ground at kickoff time. But in an email circulated online by the YouBoysInGreen fan group, an FAI response to one supporter blamed ticketless and inebriated Ireland fans for the problems.

The FAI apology reads: "The Football Association of Ireland would like to apologise for a response sent to a small number of supporters on issues faced by our fans in the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands at the Amsterdam Arena last November.  

"The email referenced elements of feedback from the night with a number of sections of the feedback contested, in particular relating to alleged fan behaviour."

A screenshot of an email circulated online, claimed to be from an FAI staff member, alleges Ireland fans contributed to their own difficulties on the night. 

It says: 

- Several fans tried to get in without a valid ticket ie two supporters on one ticket

- Several supporters had issues with ticket scanning - people unable to locate their ticket on their phone or tickets already scanned in.

- This also seems to be exasperated (sic) in some instances by excessive alcohol/substance intake. Many supporters presented in a concerning manner with some unable to operate their phones to access tickets.

- Late arrivals, 2 minutes before kick-off there were only 1,300 of our supporters in the stadium. This equated to 50% of the number of tickets we sold.

However, the FAI today reiterated that its investigations into the problems suggested slow security searching and other aspects of the matchday operation were to blame for the delays.

"There were a number of issues accessing the stadium which the FAI highlighted to the KNVB with many supporters delayed gaining entry ahead of kick-off. Information was gathered following interactions with the KNVB and insight from our Supporter Liaison Officer, with the findings outlining multiple reasons for the issues that occurred before the game. This included a thorough, but as a result, slow security search on entry, a lack of clear signage, issues with access, as well as complications with ticket scanning. 

"The FAI has expressed disappointment in how certain aspects of the match-day operation affected the Irish supporters, and the FAI will continue to work with UEFA and opposing nations ahead of all upcoming away fixtures to ensure the safety of our supporters and to provide all the support we can. 

"The FAI would like to apologise for any offence caused to our supporters regarding the response in question but also wants to stress, once again, the excellent behaviour and patience of our supporters during this game and our away games in general."