Cobh Ramblers liaising with gardaí after fans clash
Stones were thrown and there were unconfirmed reports that a female steward was hit by a brick as fans clashed outside St Colman’s Park in Cobh, Co Cork, on Saturday after Drogheda Utd beat Cobh Ramblers 2-0.
Footage on social media shows fans firing missiles at rival supporters, who reacted by charging forward, one fan attempting to use a stick as a weapon and a fist fight between two youths.
About eight Drogheda fans ran onto the pitch after the first goal but security intervened and the fans returned to their seats.
One eyewitness said Cobh supporters charged towards that area after the final whistle and there was a stand-off, before Drogheda United chairman Fiachra Kierans other officials pleaded with their fans not to react.
“They listened to us, they never reacted, they behaved in an exemplary manner, and the security firm on duty actually applauded our fans out of the ground.
“When they came under attack outside the ground they defended themselves, but I have to say the key point is that they were attacked. They did not instigate any trouble,” Mr Kierans said.
In a statement, Cobh Ramblers management and players strongly condemned the violence “which has nothing to do with the game of football and is contrary to the spirit of the club”.
They said they are liaising with local gardaí and the FAI, and Drogheda United are offering “full support”.
