Drogheda United have confirmed they will pay the full cost of repairing Dundalk’s pitch after last week’s Louth derby.
The League of Ireland had imposed a €15,000 fine on the club after last Friday’s game; where Drogheda fans threw flares onto the Oriel Park pitch. The incident was heavily condemned by minister for sport Patrick O’Donovan who was in attendance.
The League of Ireland also imposed, a ban on Drogheda United FC supporters attending the Club’s next four away fixtures; and a ban on Drogheda United FC supporters attending all fixtures at Oriel Park for the remainder of the 2026 season.
In a statement issued today, Drogheda United said; “We fully accept the sanctions imposed, including the €15,000 fine, the four-match away supporter ban, and the prohibition on our supporters attending fixtures at Oriel Park for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The events that occurred are deeply regrettable and Drogheda United FC is currently working closely with Dundalk FC regarding the necessary pitch repairs, and we will be covering the full cost of the damage caused.
Following an internal review; a number of individuals were found to have engaged in negative fan behaviour and have been sanctioned by the club. We will continue to work with Dundalk FC and An Garda Síochána during this investigation”.
The incident has set the news agenda over the last seven days; with the minister for sport putting a hold on any government’s grants for astro-turf investments.
The FAI and the League of Ireland have taken action to prevent repeat incidents of last Friday’s incident.
A statement from the League of Ireland read; "These significant sanctions have been deemed necessary by the Independent Disciplinary Committee considering the magnitude of the incident.
League of Ireland to introduce CCTV and sniffer dogs
"While this incident and the use of pyrotechnics are carried out by a minority of supporters; these unacceptable events cannot be repeated in future and have no place in the League of Ireland.
"Following the sanctions issued by the Independent Disciplinary Committee; supporters are also reminded that the range of sanctions available to the Committee in relation to pyrotechnics offences include significant fines, full or partial stadium closures, points deductions
"Alongside this record level of sanction, the League of Ireland and the FAI are committed to bolstering our efforts to combat the challenge that pyrotechnics presents at our stadia."
This commitment includes:
"Mandatory Club Licensing requirements from the 2027 League of Ireland Season for adequate CCTV which will assist with the identification of any persons found to be engaging in the illegal use of pyrotechnics.
"Enhanced detection measures at key entry points to our stadiums such as the use of pyrotechnic detection dogs.
"Refusal of entry and / or ejection from the stadium if a person is engaging in this activity followed by a stadium ban."
Minister for Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD, commended the FAI and League of Ireland "for acting swiftly and decisively". He added: "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."
There has been widespread reaction from across the League of Ireland. The majority of clubs have made statements on social media around the latest League of Ireland statement.
