GARDAI IN TALLAGHT made two arrests for ‘public order offences’ last night following a cup clash between Shamrock Rovers and Linfield.
Rovers won their Setanta Cup tie 4-1 but the football was often a side-note on a tumultuous night at Tallaght Stadium.
A member of the gardaí was treated at Tallaght Hospital when they were thrown from their horse, which was startled by a firecracker.
There was sectarian chanting reported from both sets of supporters, with sections of the home crowd singing that there is only ‘one flag in Ireland’.
About 10 Rovers supporters ran onto the pitch to celebrate a goal from Ciaran Kilduff that put their side in charge of the fixture.
With the Dubliners controlling the game, the off-field action was left to barbs from both sets of fans. A Billy Joe Burns goal for Linfield enlivened the atmosphere.
A minority of the Linfield support launched projectiles at the gardaí and match stewards with a small troupe, approximately 12 fans, attempting to gain access to the pitch.
A British flag was also raised, before kick-off, at the far end of the Main Stand, where the Linfield fans were situated, which raised the hackles of the local supporters.
A Union Jack flag is raised at Tallaght Stadium. (©INPHO/Donall Farmer)
A spokesperson for the Garda Press Office confirmed that arrests were made at the ground.
The spokesperson told TheScore.ie, “Two people were arrested for public order offences.
“Their names were taken and they were released last night.”
The spokesperson did hasten to add that the remainder of the night, and post-match, was ‘relatively peaceful’.
In follow-up correspondence, the Press Office commented, “A Garda member was thrown from a Garda horse outside a football match in Tallaght on 4 March; the horse had been startled by a firecracker.
“The Garda member was taken to Tallaght Hospital for treatment, not believed to be life threatening. [The] horse is uninjured.”
Rovers won the fixture thanks to goals from Kilduff, Ronan Finn and Stephen Rice. You can read the report and see the goals here.
- Additional reporting by Steven O’Rourke
Getting into a rhythm now, should have been game over against wolves in the first half Monday, back in the groove now, shuts that thick agbonlahor up now with his bielsa a great coach is a myth comment on sky, get back to gobbling greilish ya muppet
@Didithedevil: horrible comment.
@Bob Cummings: Explain…
Had reservations about what Leeds would do but Bielsa has really worked magic. It’s like he has focused on perfecting players strengths than wasting time on improving weaknesses. There are few teams that could comfortably commit too many players to attack their defence because of Leeds swift precise and deadly attacking and counter attacking. Much as I love the blades and Wilder I’m jealous seeing the way they play. No fluke, a masterplan of a few years in the making.
@Pat Ryan: Bielsa and the way he has Leeds playing has restored my faith in the beautiful game, they are a joy to watch and I’m so glad Bamford has proven me wrong
MOT
Bielsa is a tactical genius. MOT
Ha ha unreal second half from Leeds. Destroyed them
Call him up quick
@Seagoat returns: he has said he wants to play for England. According to balls.ie
Bamford for Ireland
#alaw or for those not familiar with Irish Leeds fans, “all Leeds aren’t we.”
Looking forward to getting back to the Peacock et cetera when normality returns. Meanwhile tonight and nights like this will do just fine.
@sean de paore: I would rather do the crush In Billy’s Bar than the Peacock any day. But I do get your drift… MOT #INBIELSAWETRUST
Is he Irish (yet)?
What a time to be a Leeds fan,pity we can’t be in grounds,then premier League would see an athmospere,bielsa is god
Service crew
Get your coat on and get moving
Get your coat on and ger moving
Looks really bad