Drogheda United and Dundalk release joint appeal ahead of first meeting since shocking Oriel Park scenes
Drogheda United and Dundalk have appealed to their fans to “respect” the occasion of the latest Louth derby.It’s the first meeting between the two sides since the second weekend of the season when their Oriel Park clash was marred by a handful of Boynesiders supporters.They caused tens of thousands of euro worth of damage to Dundalk’s newly-laid pitch when they threw flares onto the surface.Earlier that night, Minister Patrick O’Donovan officially opened the pitch and afterwards he controversially threatened to pull future pitch funding to all League of Ireland clubs.Both sides issued a joint statement ahead of Friday’s meeting, urging supporters to create an atmosphere “through support - not by incidents away from the action.”It read: “Drogheda United FC and Dundalk FC meet on Friday night in one of the biggest rivalries in Irish football.“We share a sense of pride that two clubs from the smallest county in the country continue to compete at the top level of Irish football.“Matches between the clubs draw the attention of supporters across the country, and the atmosphere reflects how much this game means to our fans. That backing is part of the rivalry and is welcomed.“Both clubs are asking supporters to approach Friday night with that rivalry in mind and with respect for the occasion. The derby should be defined by commitment on the pitch, the contest between the teams, and the atmosphere created through support - not by incidents away from the action.“Supporters are encouraged to be loud, back their team fully, and take pride in the fixture, while also showing respect to those around them. Everyone attending has a part to play in ensuring the focus remains on the football and the drama that unfolds during the match.“Drogheda United FC and Dundalk FC look forward to Friday night’s derby being remembered for the right reasons.”Both clubs’ managers were quoted in the statement.Drogheda United boss Kevin Doherty said: “This fixture means a lot of everyone involved with the club.“It's a rivalry built over years and it deserved to be talked about for what happens on the pitch.“Our supporters play a huge part in that, and when they bring the noise in the right way, it adds to the occasion and give the team a real boost.”Dundalk’s Ciaran KIlduff added: “We want the atmosphere to be electric. We want to go into the lion’s den.“That is the whole point of being at the top level, representing Dundalk, going to your biggest rival’s backyard and trying to beat them.“At the same time, we want it to be about football. We do not want anything unsavoury.“Hopefully, that is all behind us now. We want a game full of passion and flair, but the way we can hurt each other most is by beating each other on the pitch.“That is what I want people talking about afterwards.”Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond.
