Shelbourne have made a classy gesture towards League of Ireland rivals Galway United ahead of their League of Ireland Premier Division meeting on Friday night.
The table toppers will be without their supporters for the encounter as a consequence of the unsavoury scenes during their meeting with Drogheda United earlier this month.
That fixture was marred by an incident which saw match official Dermot Broughton struck by a pyrotechnic which appeared to be thrown from the away end at Drogheda's Weaver Park.
Shels' boss Damien Duff subsequently stated that the incident - which halted the 2-2 draw for 15 minutes - left him 'embarrassed' and welcomed his club's impending sanction from the FAI.
The league's decision makers have since opted to ban Shels fans from attending their upcoming trip to Eamonn Deacy Park, leaving the title hopefuls without the benefit of a vociferous traveling support for the encounter.
But they are not the only side set to suffer from the decision, with critics pointing out that Galway will consequently miss out on matchday ticket revenue from what was expected to be a large traveling contingent from Dublin.
Shelbourne organise fundraiser
However, the Drumcondra-based club has now made a conscious effort to limit the negative impact on Galway - in a move which has drawn widespread praise on social media.
The club announced in a statement that it has opened a virtual ticket fundraiser ahead of the clash, with 100% of the money raised going to Galway United.
The statement read: "In light of the current circumstances prohibiting our supporters from attending this Friday’s match against Galway United, Shelbourne FC is this evening launching a fundraiser where all proceeds will go directly to Galway United.
"Collective punishment for the conduct of the few impacts unfairly on the vast majority of Shelbourne FC supporters who abide by the rules and represent the club with pride in Tolka Park and all around Ireland.
"It also disproportionately impacts Galway United and the local economy, who will be without the business of what would’ve been a packed away end at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night, with many supporters staying overnight too.
"We invite all Shelbourne FC supporters and football fans across the League of Ireland to join us if they can and buy a €10 ticket for Friday. 100% of proceeds will go to Galway United."
A classy move from the league leaders, who are looking to get back to winning ways after suffering a 2-1 defeat against their North Dublin Derby rivals Bohemians last Friday night.
They are winless in their last three league matches but remain five points ahead of Derry City and Bohemians - who are currently tied for second.
