Violent scenes at a League of Ireland match were condemned by the FAI yesterday.
It came after a cohort of Bray Wanderers fans attacked stewards and threw missiles on to the pitch during the First Division clash against Longford Town on Friday evening.
Videos emerged of a Bray supporter striking out at stewards with a flagpole during the game which was interrupted when objects and flares were thrown on to the pitch.
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A teenager was arrested in connection with the disturbances in the away section of the ground and Garda investigations are ongoing.
It is understood some of the volunteer Longford stewards received slight injuries trying to control the Bray supporters.
An FAI spokesman said: “The League of Ireland and the FAI strongly condemn the behaviour of a small number of spectators in the away section at the Longford Town v Bray Wanderers game on Friday night.
“We are now working closely with the gardai and both clubs to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions. The FAI has a zero tolerance policy towards this type of behaviour and will take further action once the Garda investigations are concluded.”
The game, which finished in a 1-1 draw, was overshadowed by the disturbances which involved only the Bray supporters who were confined to a separate enclosure away from the home fans.
In a statement yesterday the home club said: “Longford Town Football Club wishes to condemn the actions of a number of supporters in the away section who caused crowd disturbances last night. In the first half, a group of individuals launched a number of missiles including flares onto the pitch area, narrowly missing our goalkeeper Luke Dennison. In the second half, the same group became verbally abusive towards our stewards and supporters before our stewards were assaulted with a number of objects.
“Seats and fencing were destroyed, other missiles were launched at supporters and stewards and towards the pitch area.
“A number of individuals were ejected from the ground.
“Our stewards are all volunteers who give up their time to support our club on match nights and have gone through extensive training for situations like last night.
“We wish to acknowledge the brilliant work carried out by our stewards and thank them for their professionalism throughout.
“We would also like to thank the gardai for their swift response in dealing with the situation.
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