THE TAOISEACH EXPECTS funding for astroturf pitch upgrades to be restored to League of Ireland clubs, but the sports minister says he is to make that decision.
Micheál Martin said that all clubs shouldn’t be punished for the actions of one, after the newly-restored pitch at Dundalk’s Oriel Park was destroyed by flares during a game against local rivals Drogheda United last Friday.
Sports Minister Patrick O’Donovan, who attended the game, subsequently said he would withhold funding from League of Ireland clubs for astroturf pitches unless they tackle what he described as “hooliganism” among their supporters.
Speaking to reporters today, the Taoiseach said: “What happened in terms of the astroturf incidents is appalling and has to be condemned, and those responsible should be identified and brought to justice in a proper way.”
He said meetings are taking place today between Minister Patrick O’Donovan, the League of Ireland and the Football Association of Ireland.
“I would anticipate over those meetings that funding will be restored,” the Taoiseach said.
“Obviously, people have to be very rigorous and focused on protecting their facilities, and this type of behaviour has to be stamped out. There’s no question about that. But those who are operating well, in my view, shouldn’t be punished.”
When a spokesperson was asked if Minister O’Donovan agrees with the Taoiseach’s view, they said: “Restoring funding is a matter for the minister”.
A 12-year-old boy was injured as a result of Friday’s scenes at the Louth derby between Dundalk and Drogheda United, during which the newly restored €500,000 Oriel Park pitch was burnt in dozens of places.
O’Donovan said afterwards that “gougerism and thuggery” had emerged from the away end.
Asked yesterday whether he regrets the language used in relation to away supporters, O’Donovan said: “Did you see the field? Did you see the damage caused? At one stage it looked like there was an air raid taking place.”
O’Donovan described it as a “very organised, very orchestrated attempt to destroy” the investment in the pitch.
He also said the ball is in the FAI’s court on how to take action on fans’ behaviour.
