THE FAI HAVE CONCLUDED TODAY that 'accidental excessive force contributed to the damage of the seats' at Markets Field in Limerick last year.
During the First Division play-off final between Limerick and Waterford last November fans were evacuated from the Limerick venue because of concerns over structural issues in the stands.
The supporters at the time were moved to other areas in the ground
The FAI have looked into the matter and said in a statement today that 'no malicious intent nor structural issues were factors in the damaging of the stand'.
They claimed that 'accidental excessive force' was the reason for the evacuation.
The statement read, "Following an incident during the League of Ireland Men's First Division Play-Off fixture between Galway United FC and Waterford FC on Friday, November 4, 2022, at Markets Field in Limerick, a full investigation was conducted, and a report has now been completed and sent to all stakeholders involved," said the FAI in a statement released on Wednesday.
FAI release statement regarding Markets Field incident where they claim their was no structural damage according to the report… Mindboggling pic.twitter.com/KrKpqhm91V
— Adrian Flanagan (@flanagan_adrian) February 15, 2023
"The report found that the incident did not occur due to malicious activity, nor a structural stand issue, but accidental excessive force contributed to the damage of the seats.
"The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the League of Ireland are currently reviewing all stadium certificates for the 2023 season and will add additional inspections where high risks are identified.
"Following the conclusion of the 2022 season, a Safety and Security Conference took place with all relevant club personnel.
"Further match operations workshops and training is currently on-going ahead of the 2023 League of Ireland season.
"The FAI would like to thank all stakeholders involved in the report An Garda Siochana, Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership, Treaty United FC and Waterford FC."
