The Irish Minister of Sports has suspended all funding for synthetic turf football pitches until he has received assurances that the fields will not be damaged by flares. The decision was taken after flares thrown onto the pitch in Dundalk caused extensive damage.
Local football club Dundalk faced Drogheda United last week.
Minister Patrick O’Donovan attended the game, where Drogheda United fans threw burning flares onto the pitch. In addition to extensive damage to the plastic surface, a child also received some burn wounds to his face.
O’Donovan told media that he was to meet with representatives of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the League of Ireland about what had happened. He added that, until he is satisfied that the facilities will not be damaged, he is pausing any applications in process from League of Ireland clubs.
“We cannot have a situation where synthetic material is literally set on fire in front of us … Who’s going to pay the bill to replace it?” he was quoted as saying.
“So, until such time as I get assurances from the League of Ireland and the FAI with regard to future government investment and the protection of that investment, it’s paused.”
No risk
Installing company PST Sport has responded to the issue. In a statement on its website, the company said that their team will carry out the necessary repairs as soon as weather conditions allow.
“We want to reassure supporters that at no stage was there any risk of the surface igniting or the full pitch catching fire. The damage is localised and will be restored promptly. Our thoughts are with the young supporter who was injured, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. We remain committed to supporting Dundalk FC and ensuring the pitch is returned to the highest standard, FIFA Quality Pro, as quickly as possible.”
Taken by surprise
The incident has taken everybody by surprise. Dundalk FC was amongst the clubs that in the early 2000s participated in a UEFA trial to establish whether synthetic turf for football would be feasible. Ever since, the club has been playing on synthetic turf, yet the incident last week was the first of this kind in its history.