Shamrock Rovers' stadium ban for their opening SSE Airtricity League game against UCD has been lifted.
Champions Rovers were set to host UCD on the opening night of the season - February 18 - in an empty Tallaght Stadium.
That was the punishment dished out by the FAI’s disciplinary committee after a Shamrock Rovers fan let off fireworks during a game in Waterford last November.
Two fans were arrested after a repeater went off in the RSC stands and over the pitch itself before the referee stopped play.
While Rovers acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, they appealed the severity of the punishment.
And today, after a first appeal was rejected, they announced that a second appeal had been successful.
As part of the lifting of the ban, however, an increased fine of €5,000 was instead handed down to the Hoops.
"Shamrock Rovers F.C. welcomes the decision announced today by the FAI that Shamrock Rovers will kick off the new season at Tallaght Stadium against UCD on Friday February 18th with fans in attendance," a short club statement read.
"We look forward to welcoming back the thousands of Hoops fans that attended our last game, lifting the league trophy.
"On target to achieve a record number of Season Tickets sales, it promises to be a great occasion."
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