League of Ireland condemn ugly scenes between Dundalk and Drogheda United supporters

Members of An Garda Siochana break up a fight between fans of both sides on the pitch after the game. Pic: INPHO/Bryan Keane

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Dundalk 4 (Hakiki-Filloche 8', O'Kane 16', Horgan 55', 85') Drogheda Utd 2 (James -Taylor 36', 90+3' (P))

The League of Ireland have condemned the ugly scenes that marred Dundalk's important victory over Drogheda United at Oriel Park on Friday night.

Shortly after the Lilywhite's victory over their arch-rivals, fighting broke out on the pitch between the two sets of supports.

The LOI have confirmed they are working closely with An Garda Síochána and the two clubs to determine the next course of disciplinary action.

"The League of Ireland condemns in the strongest possible terms the incidents involving supporters following the conclusion of last night’s fixture between Dundalk and Drogheda United.

"We are working closely with An Garda Síochána, Drogheda United and Dundalk while reviewing the Match Delegate’s report on the fixture and will communicate any further information relating to disciplinary action following the conclusion of this process."

Hugely disappointing scenes at the end here as a number of away fans cross the pitch to fight with home supporters pic.twitter.com/Hgs7aSAMBd

— James Rogers (@jamesrogersie) July 12, 2024

As for the game itself, Dundalk gave their Premier Division survival hopes a major boost, piling the pressure on their neighbours Drogheda United in the process.

First half goals from Jad Hakiki and Ryan O’Kane and a second half double from Daryl Horgan secured a huge three points for Jon Daly’s side as they moved five clear of their nearest rivals in ninth place.

Douglas James Taylor had briefly given the visitors hope of getting back into the game by reducing the deficit to 2-1 before the break but his second from the spot in the 93rd minute was a case of too little, too late.

Dundalk had only scored four goals in 11 matches at home all season prior to this but found their shooting boots on the night to put some daylight between them and their Louth rivals, as well as close the gap on Bohemians above them to four points.

For Kevin Doherty’s side, this result was a crushing blow to their own survival hopes. They had opened a six-point gap on Dundalk after beating them 2-1 at Weavers Park on May 6 but they are now winless in the 10 games since with just three draws and seven defeats.

The night ended on a sour note when a number of Drogheda fans crossed the pitch after the two sides had left the field at full-time to engage with the home support with at least two fans arrested by Gardaí.

The hosts got off to a dream start when they hit the front after just eight minutes. O’Kane cut in from the left onto his right foot to get a shot away which Andrew Wogan could only push clear. Robbie Benson was then quickest to react to the loose ball as he crossed for the inrushing Hakiki to head home the first senior goal of his career.

Dundalk then doubled their lead on 16 minutes. Benson’s attempt to break into the box was cut out by Luke Heeney but the loose ball broke for O’Kane to rifle a sublime first-time shot past Wogan to the bottom right hand corner.

To their credit, the visitors fought their way back into the game by halving the deficit in the 37th minute. Darragh Markey picked out James Taylor with a fine cross which the 25-year-old headed past Felix Goddard.

The Lilywhites managed to restore their two-goal advantage on 55 minutes. Horgan picked the ball up on the right before playing a neat one-two with Eoin Kenny to burst into the box and rifle high to the net past Wogan.

The former Irish international then curled a superb fourth to the net four minutes from time to ensure the three points, making James Taylor’s 93rd minute penalty irrelevant.

Dundalk: Goddard; Mountney, Animasahun, Faulkner, Keogh (Pike 72); Horgan, Benson, Hakiki (Mulligan 78), Doyle (McGill 10), O’Kane (Mahon 78); Kenny (Gullan 72).

Drogheda Utd: Wogan; Quinn, Webster (Pierrot 58), Keaney, Kane; Ahui (Brennan HT); Foley (Davis 58), Heeney, Markey (O’Brien 64), Farrell; James-Taylor.

Referee: Rob Hennessy (Limerick).