Pyros: Change Starts Now

Following the events at Oriel Park which resulted in injury to a 12-year-old supporter and criminal damage to the pitch, Dundalk FC is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.

All types of pyrotechnics, without exception, are banned at Oriel Park.

The club understands the importance of creating a positive atmosphere on matchnight — but that atmosphere cannot and will not be built on behaviour that endangers others.

The club rejects the idea that pyrotechnics are needed to generate support or improve the spectacle, and we reject any attempt to justify, normalise or glamourise the use of pyrotechnics at Oriel Park.

• There are no “safe” circumstances.

• There are no acceptable exceptions.

• There are no arguments that outweigh the risk.

The use of pyrotechnics endangers supporters, players, staff and emergency services. 

It also harms the wider community. Damage to the pitch does not only affect the Dundalk FC first team — it impacts our academy players, underage fixtures and community activity at Oriel Park, including events involving children.

The risks are so serious that they could potentially put the future of the club at risk.

The damage to the pitch has now been assessed and work to repair the affected area will begin early next week. The club will not comment on the specific cost of repairs, but figures circulating publicly are not accurate. However, the cost remains significant.

Given the seriousness of the events at Oriel Park, the club is continuing to review all aspects of the incident and all matchnight operations. This includes a full review of our Ground Regulations and the club’s wider safety and security procedures.

Further updates will be provided in due course.