An entertaining Louth derby between Dundalk and Drogheda United was marred on Friday night by shocking scenes of violence between the two sets of fans at the final whistle.
Ahead of kick-off, a minute's silence was held to mourn the tragic passing of 13-year-old Zara Murphy while playing for Termonfeckin FC on Thursday.
Dundalk would have the better of proceedings at Oriel Park, with Jad Hakiki-Filloche and Ryan Kane's goals having them 2-0 up inside 20 minutes.
They would ultimately run out 4-2 winners, with Douglas James-Taylor's injury-time penalty little more than a consolation for the visitors.
The two sides had played out an exciting derby but the game was soon to be overshadowed by violence on the pitch.
Ugly scenes would play out after the final whistle, with a group of Drogheda fans storming the pitch and charging over to the Dundalk supporters on the opposite side of the field. Projectiles were thrown from the stand as violence between the two sets of fans broke out on the pitch.
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Drogheda fans invade pitch as violence breaks out in Dundalk
Footage from the stands showed stewards and Gardaí intervening as supporters fought on the pitch immediately after Friday night's game.
Chaotic scenes at the full-time in tonight's Louth Derby in Oriel Park.
🎥 @jamesrogersie pic.twitter.com/hRXOk6sNGQ— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 12, 2024
There was a surreal feel to footage of the incident, as the stadium PA continued to blare feel-good 90s hits while the two sets of fans clashed on the pitch.
The shocking clash was also picked up by the TV cameras, as the security at Oriel Park struggled to get a hold of proceedings.
Embarrassing scenes from Oriel Park, let down the whole league tonight😡 pic.twitter.com/45klVk4l3o
— Des Gallagher (@GallagherDess) July 12, 2024
Multiple arrests were made as the violence played out and Between the Stripes reported that Gardaí held fans inside the stadium as the perimeter of the ground was secured.
THIS IS NUTS!! Drogheda Fans storm the pitch at Oriel Park after the final whistle, fights break out on the pitch. Absolute disgraceful scenes. @DundalkFC @DroghedaUnited @LeagueofIreland pic.twitter.com/tgDg5SwvpL
— robbysfootyfocus (@Robbyfootyfocus) July 12, 2024
The disappointing scenes put a dampener on a thrilling night of football.
More on this story as we get it.
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