DFC Statement on Security Measures and Pyros

Dundalk FC Executive Director Chris Clinton has praised Dundalk supporters for their incredible support in the first series of games of the 2026 Premier Division Campaign. He made his comments as Dundalk FC released the below information relating to our upcoming matches in Oriel Park - and the enhanced security measures that have been introduced.

Statement Ahead of our upcoming matches at Oriel Park, Dundalk FC wishes to make its position on pyrotechnics absolutely clear.

Every person attending a match at Oriel Park has the right to do so in safety, without fear of injury. Nobody should be put at risk by the reckless actions of others.

The recent Drogheda United match was a clear reminder of the consequences of such behaviour. We thank Drogheda United for their co-operation in the aftermath, including payment of full costs associated with repairing the damage caused by a small element of their support.

The FAI have also set a significant precedent by banning Drogheda United supporters from their next four away matches and imposing an additional ban for July’s Louth Derby at Oriel Park. That should serve as a clear warning to anyone considering bringing pyrotechnics to a match that the actions of a small number of individuals can have serious consequences for their own club and for fellow supporters.

Enhanced security measures will now be in place at upcoming matches.

All supporters should arrive earlier than usual to allow for more extensive searches for prohibited items. Dundalk FC reserves the right to refuse admission, and any person suspected of carrying items in breach of ground regulations will not be permitted entry.

While there has been no repeat of the pyrotechnic issues since the opening home game of the season, the club’s zero-tolerance approach has remained in force, and a number of arrests have been made at recent matches in connection with anti-social behaviour and damage to facilities.

Dundalk FC will continue to pursue every available measure, including legal action where necessary, against any individual who causes damage, breaches ground regulations or endangers others.

Oriel Park is a community facility used regularly by academy teams from all over the country, as well as community groups and school children. The club will not tolerate any behaviour that damages the ground, puts others at risk or undermines the matchday experience for supporters.

We want all fans to feel welcome at our matches and to ensure the focus remains where it belongs — on football, atmosphere and supporting our teams in a safe environment.

Writing in this week’s DFC Magazine, Executive Director Chris Clinton added:

"Our fans continue to represent Dundalk FC in a very positive manner, particularly on away trips, and that deserves recognition. The support the team receives is passionate, disciplined and appreciated. It matters that our supporters back the side in the right way, and it matters that they show respect for the facilities and environments they enter.

Our supporters have been amazing all year across the country. Many thanks to all fans for representing the club so brilliantly. With a busy period ahead here at Oriel Park, it is also the right moment to restate an important message.

We all want atmosphere colour and intensity around the game, but all kinds of pyrotechnics have no place in that.

They carry obvious dangers, they create unnecessary risk for the club and for fellow supporters, and they can damage the matchday experience for everyone else. We want people to enjoy the game, support the team and create a strong backing for the players, but to do so responsibly."