After attack on Dundalk fans… Derry City to meet local politicians to ‘make sure local community, the football club and the city itself are not held ransom’
Derry City are to meet with local politicians tomorrow to “make sure” the local community, the football club and the city itself “are not held ransom by a group of youngsters who appear not to care about anything or anyone.”
The meeting follows an attack on Dundalk fans following their FAI Cup semi-final win over the Candy Stripes on Tuesday night last.
Club chairman Philip O’Doherty (pictured) said the meeting with MLAs and politicians was to “take their views and guidance as to how the club responds to these events .”
In a lengthy statement, Mr O’Doherty expressed his disappointment and frustration at what happened on Tuesday night.
He said: “Tuesday night saw a fine game of football, played in front of a large crowd and in an atmosphere befitting such an occasion.
“Our fans were delighted with the quality and the passion that they witnessed on the field.
“They were particularly pleased at the number of young, local, players who are beginning to make their mark and who acquitted themselves so well against a team that has been described by many as the finest in Ireland and who are presently defeating some of the top football teams in Europe.
“It was a pleasure to witness the camaraderie between both sets of supporters.
“Given the great atmosphere and feeling of safety inside the ground, makes it all the more shocking and unacceptable that after the match and well away from the football ground, a young Dundalk supporter was injured and a supporter’s bus damaged.
“The club has been told that these attacks were carried out by a group of youngsters and children. There is some suggestion that this gathering was prearranged.
“The club has been in regular contact with Dundalk to express our disgust and to inquire after the health of their young fan.
“The events have received widespread publicity throughout Ireland.
“ These events and this negative coverage are very prejudicial to our club, our fans and our city.
“The responsibility and the authority of the club is necessarily restricted to what happens inside the ground but the club is an integral part of this city and what affects one, affects the other.
“We have an adult responsibility to ensure that a group of youngsters and children who appear to have little pride in themselves and in their city do not undermine the enjoyment of our fans and the good name of the City.
“The cub has worked closely and productively with community workers and police to ensure the safety of our own fans and visitors to our football matches.
“For the greater part that work has been successful and that work will continue.
“We have also arranged a meeting this Friday with local MLAs and councillors to take their views and guidance as to how the club responds to these events but more importantly, to hear what they think should happen to make sure that the local community, the football club and the city itself are not held ransom by a group of youngsters who appear not to care about anything or anyone.”
Mr O’Doherty concluded: “We will continue to keep our fans fully informed of any developments.”
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