Shelbourne have been met with a negative reaction online, after issuing a lifetime ban to a supporter who threw a pyrotechnic at a match official during the visit to Drogheda United earlier this month.
Assistant referee Dermot Broughton was struck by the object which came from the away end at Weavers Park, and Shels have since been banned from bringing away supporters to Galway United this Friday night.
On the night of the incident, Shels manager Damien Duff outlined his anger towards the individual, before softening his stance days later by saying that he was keen to meet the person and have a chat.
Shelbourne issue statement confirming lifetime ban
On Thursday night though, the Tolka Park club came down strongly by issuing the following statement:
"Shelbourne FC can confirm following the conclusion of a disciplinary process that the individual responsible for throwing an object at the official during the recent match at Weavers Park in Drogheda has been identified and issued with a lifetime ban from Tolka Park.
"As a club, we uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour that endangers the safety of players, officials, and fellow supporters.
"In line with this commitment, and with increasingly severe sanctions for infractions being issued by the FAI’s Disciplinary Control Unit including away supporter bans, and the increasing likelihood of home stand closures at Tolka Park, full ground closures and possible points deductions if there are any further issues at our games.
"Effective immediately, Shelbourne FC will enforce lifetime bans for individuals found:
- Attempting to bring pyrotechnics into the ground.
- Using pyrotechnics within Tolka Park or at away grounds.
- Entering the pitch at any time.
- Throwing any object onto the pitch.
"The safety and security of everyone at Tolka Park is our primary concern. The club is committed to ensuring that everyone who attends our games has a safe, positive and enjoyable experience."
🗞 Club Statement |
Lifetime ban issued for incident at Drogheda United
➡️ https://t.co/5bKT5xmnPZ pic.twitter.com/E0fsiT46vC— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) April 18, 2024
Shelbourne facing backlash for decision
Comments underneath the post on Twitter suggest bemusement at the decision, with many feeling that the club have gone against Duff's offer to help the supporter. In fact, a number of people have suggested that the culprit's apparent young age makes the punishment counter-productive
Banning a kid for life is way too harsh and hardly going to help him going forward, for pyro fai need to work on it, can be done safely clear it’s major part of the fan culture https://t.co/0EdS3h7iAw
— Owen (@Owene2220) April 18, 2024
Lifetime ban for a kid is harsh.
All the duffer interviews saying he want's to help the kid mean nothing now lol.
Pyro is part of the game and should be supported and not looked down upon.
Create safe pyro areas. https://t.co/psBESCXfv0— Nathan 🇵🇸🇮🇪 (@vixlm8) April 18, 2024
Damien Duff, I want to help the kid 😂 https://t.co/Cs1NInEb6w
— Fetho (@TheFeth) April 18, 2024
Conan Byrne calls for education
Former Shels player Conan Byrne added his thoughts, suggesting that an opportunity for education had been missed.
"I get it," posted Byrne. "The club wants to set a precedent and a zero tolerance approach to this type of behaviour. But I think about the kid who threw it. He owned up to his wrongdoing more or less straight away and what activity will he be up to now that his Shels supporting days are over.
"Could an education programme be put in place for him instead?? Stewarding course?? Volunteer at the club for 1 year to be a ticket officer?? Programme seller?? We too quick here to pass such judgment on a moment of madness?? Expecting a backlash on this but needed to say it."
I get it. The club wants to set a precedent and a zero tolerance approach to this type of behaviour.
But I think about the kid who threw it. He owned up to his wrongdoing more or less straight away and what activity will he be up to now that his Shels supporting days are over. https://t.co/80ETgE0C6V— Conan Byrne (@conanbyrnecb7) April 18, 2024
Earlier this week, Shelbourne organised a virtual ticket fundraiser for Galway United, who will miss out on having a packed away crowd at Eamon Deacy Park on Friday night.
See Also: Cork Youngster Wants To Follow Evan Ferguson Example After Premier League Debut
