League of Ireland and FAI statement on pyrotechnics
The League of Ireland and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) acknowledges the record sanctions for pyrotechnics infringement that were administered by the Independent Disciplinary Committee against Drogheda United FC following their fixture against Dundalk FC at Oriel Park last Friday, 20 February 2026.
This includes:
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A fine of €15,000;
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A ban on Drogheda United FC supporters attending the Club’s next four away fixtures; and
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A ban on Drogheda United FC supporters attending all fixtures at Oriel Park for the remainder of the 2026 season.
These significant sanctions have been deemed necessary by the Independent Disciplinary Committee considering the magnitude of the incident.
While this incident and the use of pyrotechnics are carried out by a minority of supporters, these unacceptable events cannot be repeated in future and have no place in the League of Ireland.
Following the sanctions issued by the Independent Disciplinary Committee, supporters are also reminded that the range of sanctions available to the Committee in relation to pyrotechnics offences include:
- Significant fines
- Full or partial stadium closures
- Points deductions
Alongside this record level of sanction, the League of Ireland and the FAI are committed to bolstering our efforts to combat the challenge that pyrotechnics presents at our stadia.
This commitment includes:
- Mandatory Club Licensing requirements from the 2027 League of Ireland Season for adequate CCTV which will assist with the identification of any persons found to be engaging in the illegal use of pyrotechnics.
- Enhanced detection measures at key entry points to our stadiums such as the use of pyrotechnic detection dogs.
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Refusal of entry and / or ejection from the stadium if a person is engaging in this activity followed by a stadium ban.
The League of Ireland and the FAI would like to remind supporters of the dangers of pyrotechnics usage and the throwing of missiles inside stadia, which is strictly prohibited at all League of Ireland fixtures.
With pyrotechnics burning at extremely high temperatures ranging from 700-2500c, supporters are risking the following possibilities:
- Burns to flesh and clothing
- Explosive effects on persons with potentially fatal damage to the body
- Explosive effects to structures
- Acute toxic effects from smoke
- Impact on head, eyes and hearing
- Panic amongst packed terraces
- Significant damage to Club infrastructure
We are committed to working with our Clubs to provide a safe environment for players, officials, staff and spectators at all our fixtures and this can be ensured with the assistance of supporters abiding by these stadium regulations.
