Drogheda United have been fined €15,000 and handed multiple supporter bans by the FAI following pyrotechnic incidents during the Louth Derby at Oriel Park.
Last Friday Night’s Louth Derby was one that’ll be mentioned for many years to come, but not for the 1-1 draw Drogheda United and Dundalk shared.
Firstly, before a ball had even been kicked, both Drogheda United and Dundalk supporters clashed at Clarke train station. This was not the only time they clashed, as the 2 sets of fans clashed again near the ground, with videos circulating online of missiles being thrown by both groups.
As for the main story itself, Dundalk officially launched they’re brand new €500,000 astro turf surface, in time to debut against fierce rivals Drogheda United. Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD was present for the unveiling.
Drogheda supporters then proceeded to launch a large amount of pyrotechnics onto the field of play, creating burn marks on the playing surface, with Dundalk manager Ciarán Kilduff even saying; “If it ever did happen again, I’d be surprised if the game even went ahead to be honest”.
This was not all, as a young 12 year-old boy sustained burns to his face, and was taken to hospital shortly after.
Minister O’Donovan has stated that the government will not pay the repair fees to the Oriel Park playing surface, and has paused all government funding on astro turf playing surface for League of Ireland clubs. Therefore, Dundalk must bare the costs, and do so quick as the pitch is currently a health and safety hazard after the throwing of these flares.
As a result of this, an Independent Disciplinary Committee of the FAI has imposed the following sanctions on Drogheda United FC:
- A fine of €15,000;
- A ban on Drogheda United FC supporters attending the Club’s next four away fixtures;
- A ban on Drogheda United FC supporters attending all fixtures at Oriel Park for the remainder of the 2026 season.