Pitch invader gets indefinite ban from Aviva Stadium

The supporter who ran on to the Aviva Stadium pitch during the Republic of Ireland's friendly against Lithuania has been given an indefinite ban from the ground by the FAI.

The fan entered the pitch during the second half of last week's match and made his way towards goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to take a selfie.

He was eventually taken off the field by the stewards.

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the FAI said they were sending "a firm message that pitch encroachments or any breach of ground regulations by individuals will not be tolerated".

The association confirmed that the pitch invader has been banned from attending all Irish football games at the Aviva with immediate effect and said they are liaising with the gardaí regarding the individual concerned.

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.

"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."

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