The 42

DROGHEDA UNITED HAVE been hit with sanctions including a €15,000 fine and four-match supporter ban for away games following their controversial Louth derby clash with Dundalk last Friday.

A number of flares were thrown from the away section which left areas of the Oriel Park pitch burned and in need of repair, while a 12-year-old boy also sustained injuries.

The FAI confirmed on Thursday evening that an independent disciplinary committee has imposed a €15,000 fine on Drogheda United, as well as a ban on the club’s supporters attending their next four away fixtures, and a ban on their supporters attending all fixtures at Oriel Park for the remainder of the 2026 season.

“The League of Ireland and the Football Association of Ireland wish to remind all supporters that the possession, use or throwing of pyrotechnics inside grounds is strictly prohibited at all League of Ireland fixtures,” the statement read.

“Such conduct presents a serious and unacceptable risk to public safety, causes damage to facilities and will continue to result in disciplinary action.”

Dundalk had only laid a new astroturf surface ahead of this Premier Division season, as well as upgrading their floodlights after benefitting from a €500,000 grant from government.

In a statement this evening, Sports Minister Patrick O’Donovan said: “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 Department.”

O’Donovan, who attended the game, previously slammed the incident, describing the scenes as “gougerism and thuggery.” He demanded that the league and the FAI get to grips with “hooliganism” among fans and also said he wants to pause “all” astroturf funding.

Written by Sinead Farrell and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.