Partial stadium closure for St Pat's after second crowd trouble incident

Fans entered the pitch during the Saints' FAI Cup win over Shamrock Rovers last month and disorder returned last Friday.

Pats’ Ryan Edmondson dejected after a late chance at Richmond PArk last month. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

St Patrick’s Athletic will have sections of their home venue closed after the FAI activated a suspended suspension for crowd disturbances.

Section G of Richmond Park will be out of bounds for the games against leaders Shamrock Rovers on September 11 and Shelbourne on October 16 arising from the decision of the independent disciplinary committee.

The Saints were hit with a significant fine and suspended closure after fans entered the pitch during their FAI Cup win over Rovers last month and disorder returned last Friday.

Waterford goalscorer Jorgen Voilas appeared to be struck by a supporter in the Blues’ 2-0 victory, triggering proceedings from Abbotstown.

They’ve not only invoked the suspended one-match closure but added a second.

Saturday’s FAI Cup quarter-final visit of Bohemians to Inchicore won’t be affected.

“Following the SSE Airtricity league fixture between St Patrick’s Athletic FC and Waterford FC at Richmond Park last Friday, during which a player was struck by a spectator, an independent disciplinary committee of the FAI has imposed a fine and a one match closure of Section G of the Main Stand of Richmond Park,” read a statement.

“The Committee have also activated a previously suspended one match closure of Section G.

“Given the limited time between Saturday’s fixture against Bohemian FC, the closures will take effect following that fixture to allow the necessary operational arrangements to be implemented. Section G will therefore be closed for St Patrick’s Athletic FC’s next two home league fixtures.” St Pat’s had warned their fans about consequences after the first incident.

“If the closure of Section G happens, it will affect hundreds of loyal supporters who have done nothing wrong, including Season Ticket Holders who may be unable to use their usual section,” they said nine days ago.

“Entering the field of play is strictly prohibited at all times - before, during or after a match. Regardless of the circumstances or emotions involved, supporters must never enter the pitch or approach players or match officials.

“These incidents have serious consequences for the club.

“Beyond the substantial financial penalties, they put the safety of players, officials, staff and fellow supporters at risk, damage the reputation of St Patrick's Athletic and could cost the team the support and atmosphere generated from Section G at an important home fixture.

“The actions of a very small number of people cannot be allowed to negatively affect the entire Section G support or the wider Club.

“Anyone entering the field of play or engaging in threatening or unacceptable behaviour may be removed from the stadium, banned from attending future fixtures and reported to the relevant authorities.”