The club has released the following statement in relation to some incidents that took place at Head In The Game Park on Friday night.
We were extremely disappointed to learn that five-year-old Zoe Murphy was singled out for abuse by an individual supporter before Friday night’s Louth Derby at Head In The Game Park.
Everyone at Dundalk FC is working hard to ensure that we have a family-friendly and inclusive environment at the club. We take all forms of discriminatory abuse seriously and will not stand for this kind of behaviour.
“On Saturday, the person involved made contact with both the club and the Murphy family and apologised unreservedly for his actions,” said Dundalk FC chief operating officer Martin Connolly.
“Having spoken directly to the individual concerned, both the club and Zoe’s family believe his apology is genuine and the incident was out of character.
“The individual agreed with me that he will work with the club and educate himself about Zoe’s condition, Cerebral Palsy, and those with similar disabilities.
“We can only hope that the incident will not tarnish Zoe and her family’s affection for the club. We look forward to welcoming them back to Oriel Park on April 1st where Zoe will lead ‘her boys’ out for the SSE Airtricity League game against UCD.”
The club also condemns the behaviour of certain individuals who threw flares and smoke bombs onto the playing surface, causing the game to be stopped, and those who ran onto the pitch to confront Drogheda United supporters at full-time.
This will lead to a substantial fine from the FAI.
Where identified, the club will support and impose the strongest possible sanctions against these so-called ‘supporters’.
“The club is back in community ownership and these fines are a let down to everyone who is involved in working hard to improve our club and the majority of our brilliant supporters,” said Connolly.
“More importantly, all of our supporters have a right to attend matches without running the risk of abuse or serious injury from smoke bombs or flares.
“It’s regrettable that these incidents have overshadowed another wonderful turnout and display of support for the team at Head In The Game Park.”
