Dundalk and Drogheda United condemn damage 'deliberately caused' to Oriel Park pitch

NO PYRO: Fire stewards remove flares from the pitch. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Dundalk and Drogheda United have released a joint statement to condemn the damage that they feel was “deliberately caused” to the new pitch at Oriel Park.

The two local rivals clashed in fiery Louth derby on Friday night where Conor Keeley’s late header earned United a 1-1 draw at the home of the Lilywhites.

Before the game even began flares were thrown from the away end landed on the recently relayed artificial surface which caused multiple burn marks.

And on Sunday, the two teams officially criticised those actions, which also resulted in a 12-year-old supporter suffering burn marks on their face.

“Dundalk FC and Drogheda United FC wish to thank the vast majority of supporters as well as the staff, players and volunteers who attended and participated in Friday’s League of Ireland fixture at Oriel Park between the two clubs,” the statement began.

“However, both clubs strongly condemn the actions of a small minority of individuals whose behaviour has no place in football.

“Damage was deliberately caused to Dundalk FC's new pitch - a facility that serves not only the club's first team but also hundreds of academy players and local community groups each week. This act of vandalism undermines the spirit of rivalry that should exist between our clubs and instead harms the wider football community in our region, and the reputation of the League of Ireland.

A view of the pitch after the game after flares from Drogheda fans burnt the pitch. Pic: ©INPHO/Nick Elliott

“During the same incident, flares thrown in the crowd resulted in an injury to a 12-year-old supporter, who sustained burns to his face. We are relieved that no further injuries occurred and extend our sincere thanks to the Order of Malta for their swift and professional response. Drogheda United FC officials have been in contact with the family and are offering their full support.

“Both Clubs would like to remind supporters of the dangers of pyrotechnics usage and the throwing of missiles inside stadia, which is illegal and strictly prohibited at all League of Ireland fixtures.

“Rivalry is part of what makes fixtures between Dundalk FC and Drogheda United FC so special. But it must always remain passionate, respectful and safe. There is no justification for actions that put lives at risk or damage facilities used by young people and the wider community.

“Both clubs will fully cooperate with An Garda Síochána in relation to any investigation and will engage constructively with the FAI disciplinary process. Dundalk FC is currently assessing the full extent of the damage caused, and appropriate steps will be taken in response.

“Oriel Park - and every League of Ireland ground - must be a safe and welcoming venue for everyone, regardless of the colours they wear.

“Both clubs call on their supporters to stand together in rejecting this behaviour and to ensure that future fixtures are remembered for the football on the pitch, not incidents off it.”