22-05-2025
League of Ireland club warned stadium could be partially closed down due to fan celebrations spilling over onto pitch
ST PAT'S face having part of Richmond Park closed down because of the celebrations which followed their last-gasp win over Cork City.
Jamie Lennon scored in the fifth minute of injury time to
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Jamie Lennon's late winner against Cork City sparked wild scenes of celebrations among the home fans
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Richmond Park could be partially closed down if such a scene occurs again
Having taken the lead, the home side fell 2-1 behind before Zach Elbouzedi levelled in the 89th minute before more late drama.
The turnaround naturally prompted jubilation among the home fans, some of whom spilled onto the pitch to share the moment with
It was the latest such incident and the club will now spend the rest of the season with the threat of having part of the ground shut down if there are repeated offences.
In a statement, the Incicore outfit said: 'St Patrick's Athletic have been informed by the FAI Disciplinary Control Unit of a suspended partial stadium closure for the remainder of the 2025 League of Ireland season.
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'This is due to spectator conduct and pitch encroachments, the most recent of which was at our home game against Cork City on 16th of May.
'We have also received substantial fines throughout the season for these incidents.
'An incident of a similar nature in the future could result in the enforcement of a partial stadium closure.
'Whilst all at the club understand the emotion of scoring a last-minute winner, we remind all spectators that conduct such as pitch encroachments, use of pyrotechnics and the throwing of missiles leads to fines and sanctions for the club.'
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St Pat's are not the first club to be hit in the pocket and warned because of such incidents with Bohemians - who have developed a habit of scoring late winners -
In it, Bos wrote: 'We unfortunately have cause to remind all attending Bohemians games, home or away, that encroachments onto the pitch are strictly forbidden and anyone identified as doing so faces sanction and being banned from future games.
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'The club has once again come under scrutiny from both the FAI and An Garda Síochána for pitch invasions, which have resulted in costly fines and sanctions, as well as additional security costs.
'We all appreciate the emotion of late winners and nobody at the club wishes to be scolding our supporters, the overwhelming majority of whom have helped generate a great atmosphere this season and have got behind the team vocally and in the right way.
'But encroachments onto the pitch and invading players' space in their place of work cannot continue - neither can the repeated fines or additional security costs, which are a terrible waste of the club's finite resources.'
