Statement by Minister O’Donovan on FAI Disciplinary Committee Decision

I welcome the outcome of the FAI’s independent disciplinary committee unit (DCU) this evening.

Key elements of DCU statement:

• €15,000 fine for Drogheda Utd (the highest levy ever for a pyrotechnics incident in the LOI)
• Drogheda fans banned from next 4 away fixtures
• Drogheda fans also banned from any other fixtures in Dundalk this season (at least one, possibly more)

The FAI have also committed to introducing a number of measures that will ensure significant improvements in safety at LOI matches.

1. CCTV will become mandatory at all LOI grounds wishing to host league matches
2. Enhanced detection measures at entry points to stadiums, such as specialist canine security that are trained to sniff out explosives and incendiary material.
3. Refusal of entry and / or ejection from the stadium if a person is engaging in this activity followed by a stadium ban.

Disciplinary actions like full or partial stadium closures and points deductions remain an option for offences of this nature.

Let’s not forget that a child was injured here, and it could have been far worse.

I commend the FAI and the LOI for acting swiftly and decisively and I appreciate them taking this matter so seriously.

I have instructed full, normal engagement resume between my Department and the FAI together with the League on foot of this significant disciplinary action