Focus on supporter conduct as Drogheda United bring in new security firm
A 'yellow and red card' system will be implemented by the club in dealing with breaches of club and ground regulations this season.
Drogheda United will operate a ‘yellow and red card’ system for match goers who breach the Weavers Park rules and regulations this season, after appointing a new security firm to oversee match night operations.
The club are introducing a ‘strict’ approach for the 2024 season, with fans found in breach of regulations for the first time issued with a ‘yellow card’ warning and those found in breach for a second time issued with a ‘red card’.
At that point, the club say, bans will be issued to repeat offenders. In what the club deem to be serious instances, ‘red cards’ may also be issued on the first offence.
Dublin-based company PULSE will takeover match night security matters for the coming season. According to their website, PULSE are one of Ireland's leading private security service providers, offering clients in both the private and public sectors professional security solutions.
The recruitment of the security firm as the new match night security provider is understood to have come at a significant financial cost to the club as they seek to crack down on issues such as the use of flares at games, which has seen the club receive numerable fines from the FAI in past seasons.
Additionally, there have been various instances of other missiles being thrown towards the pitch, and one at least one occasion, striking an assistant referee.
The club stress the introduction of a new security company at home games is not indicative of them adopting a ‘heavy handed’ approach going forward, nor will it impinge on atmosphere or supporters enjoyment of matches.
Members of An Garda Siochana’s Public Order Unit are also in attendance on match nights at Weavers Park, led by Drogheda Superintendent Andy Watters.
Representatives from PULSE were present at Weavers Park on Wednesday evening at the supporters information night held by the club, which was attended by approximately 40 supporters.
Last season, Drogs supporters were banned from Tallaght Stadium after an incident in the Louth derby at Oriel Park in which a linesman was struck by a flare thrown towards the pitch from the away section.
A statement read: ‘Following the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division fixture between Dundalk FC and Drogheda United FC at Oriel Park on Friday, 29 September, 2023, in which a Match Official was struck by a pyrotechnic, an Independent Disciplinary Committee of the FAI has banned Drogheda United FC spectators from attending their next away game versus Shamrock Rovers FC on 20 October 2023 at Tallaght Stadium.’
Despite Drogheda appealing the decision, the FAI's Independent Disciplinary Committee Unit upheld the ban. The club felt some sanction was fair but believed a supporter ban was too severe, however, their pleas fell on deaf ears.
‘The FAI acknowledges the great work carried out by League of Ireland clubs in relation to spectator misconduct and recognises that this behaviour is by a minority of individuals,’ a statement read.
‘However, the FAI maintains a strict zero tolerance approach towards spectator misconduct and is committed to ensuring that League of Ireland matches remain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.’
PULSE have extensive experience in this field, having also worked alongside the FAI and IRFU for events at Aviva Stadium and Tallaght Stadium and with Bohemians at Dalymount Park.
Another change for the 2024 campaign will see St John’s Ambulance replace Irish Red Cross as the matchday ambulance service provider.
Despite a longstanding relationship between club and the Irish Red Cross, the contract was put to tender, which was won by St John’s Ambulance, who have a local division based in Drogheda.
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