A Sinn Féin TD has urged people to treat those who misbehave at League of Ireland matches as “pariahs”.
His remarks came after a match in which Drogheda United fans threw flares onto Dundalk's newly relaid artificial pitch at Oriel Park. A 12 year old boy was also hit by one of the flares.
Both Dundalk and Drogheda United issued a joint statement condemning the behaviour of the fans involved.
Minister for Sport Patrick Donovan announced that the Government will consider legislation to ban flares at matches.
He also said that his department has paused funding into astroturf fields, until he receives a "sufficient response" from the League of Ireland and FAI.
On The Hard Shoulder, Sinn Féin TD for Louth Ruairí Ó Murchú said he regretted that a “fabulous night was absolutely destroyed by a number of idiots”.
“Look, we've often seen at matches, we have seen people using flares but this was different,” he said.
“Usually what you see is, after it has dissipated or it's nearly gone out, that it's thrown on the pitch - it still does damage, it's not okay.
“It's a big problem for the League of Ireland, has been for a long time.
“I think at least we know now the Government is aware of this, I suppose that is to be welcomed.”
Deputy Ó Murchú praised the “great work” of the Order of Malta who went to help the injured child before the ambulance service arrived.
He added that society should have zero tolerance of those whose actions injure people and damage property.
However, he also cautioned against stigmatising all football fans.
“We need to make sure that the people that do this are pariahs,” he said.
“I welcome the fact that Dundalk FC is working with Drogheda United.
“But you'd know it yourself, the big impact in Dundalk of Dundalk FC.
“When Dundalk's doing well, the town's doing well, you have a feel-good factor, you have huge community involvement.”
Deputy Ó Murchú continued that most fans are “regular people” who do not cause havoc at matches.
“I think for the likes of those and those people that are working all their lives within clubs and volunteering within clubs, it's a kick in the face to say from the minister, ‘Plague on all your houses and I'm going to cut funding’” he said.
Deputy Ó Murchú added that Sinn Féin would be “only be too supportive” of legislation banning fans who cause chaos at matches.
