The FAI has banned a fan who ran on to the Aviva Stadium pitch during the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 win against Lithuania last week.
The supporter entered the pitch during the second half of the friendly clash, which Ireland won thanks to a late strike from Troy Parrott, and took a selfie with Caoimhin Kelleher before being taken off the pitch by stewards.
In a statement, the FAI confirmed the fan has been banned indefinitely, while also thanking supporters for their backing of Stephen Kenny's team against both Belgium and Lithuania.
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said: “We cannot and will not allow this type of irresponsible behaviour to go unpunished and this is a clear message to anyone who considers entering the field of play during a match. For one of our players to be approached by an individual on the pitch during play is completely unacceptable. I can confirm that the individual involved will be banned indefinitely from all Irish football games at the Aviva Stadium. He is clearly not representative of the majority.
“We are also asking all parents of younger children who allow their kids to attempt to get onto the pitch at the end of a game to also remember their responsibilities as parents and to stop this at source. Whilst no-one wants to dampen the general positive enthusiasm for the team at the moment, again people just have to accept that this is not the right thing to encourage our young fans to do, either at the Aviva or across our LOI stadia. Thank you to everyone for giving this due consideration.
“We have too many well-behaved and supportive fans to allow their experience and that of the players to be affected by the mindless few and this needs to stop now. Thank you to all of those fans who supported the team so brilliantly and so positively over the two games - it is hugely appreciated by Stephen and the team.”
The FAI also said they are liaising with Gardai regarding the fan who came onto the pitch during the Lithuania game.
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