For a number of reasons, the Dublin derby between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers that kicked off the SSE Airtricity League season has not turned out to be the curtain-raiser that the league would have been hoping for.
The first setback was the decision to move the fixture from Friday night to Saturday afternoon due to security concerns. As it turned out, the Saturday afternoon kick-off put the fixture in jeopardy.
Shortly before kick-off, Storm Dennis caused havoc to such an extent that RTÉ cancelled their live coverage due to safety issues caused by the high winds.
But the game itself did go ahead and in difficult conditions Shamrock Rovers grabbed an injury-time winner to beat 10-man Bohs 1-0.
of thugs fought in the middle of the street. Both Bohs & Rovers have made a huge contribution to the league of Ireland the past few years and these men aren’t supporters and do nothing to add to the league or what should be a great sporting occasion.
Gobshites.— Gary Gannon TD (@GaryGannonTD) February 15, 2020
After the game there were troubling scenes near the stadium as a number of supporters were filmed clashing in the streets of Phibsborough. Videos have been circulating on social media showing a mass brawl taking place on the street near passing traffic.
A man was hospitalised following the incident and although Gardaí attended the scene soon after, no arrests were made.
An investigation is ongoing with Gardaí reviewing CCTV footage and they are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
