Turner's Cross to be partially closed in FAI clampdown

The FAI has issued a partial stadium closure of Turner's Cross due to crowd behaviour during Cork City's FAI Cup semi-final clash with St Patrick's Athletic last Sunday.

St Pat's booked their place in the FAI Cup final with a 2-0 victory but the game was marred by a number of incidents, with missiles thrown onto the pitch.

At one point a player was struck by a missile thrown from the crowd and the FAI have now moved swiftly to take action.

A statement confirmed that sections of Turner's Cross will be closed for Cork's next home Premier Division game against Shamrock Rovers on 23 October [live on RTÉ 2 and RTÉ Player].

The statement read: "An Independent Disciplinary Committee of the FAI has issued a partial stadium closure of Turner's Cross which includes a closure of one section of the Derrynane Road Stand and two sections of the Curragh Road Stand of Turner’s Cross.

"This ban will take place in Cork City FC’s next home league fixture versus Shamrock Rovers FC on 23 October 2023.

"The FAI maintains a strict zero tolerance approach towards spectator misconduct and is committed to ensuring that League of Ireland matches remain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone."

This decision comes on the back of the FAI imposing a one-match travel ban on Drogheda United supporters.

Drogheda's recent 3-1 derby defeat to Dundalk at Oriel Park was marred by disturbances in the stand, including a match official being struck by a pyrotechnic.

The FAI reacted by imposing a one-match ban on travelling support for Drogheda’s next away game, which is coincidentally a trip to Tallaght Stadium on 20 October to take on Shamrock Rovers.

Drogheda lodged an appeal against the punishment but the ban was upheld.