Fan Clashes Mar Dundalk’s 4-2 Derby Win Over Drogheda United
Ugly scenes broke out at the end of the Louth Derby last night as Dundalk and Drogheda United fans clashed at Oriel Park. After the final whistle confirmed Dundalk’s 4-2 victory over their local rivals, a large group of fans stormed the pitch, resulting in a brawl.
Match stewards attempted to intervene before the Gardai got involved, eventually separating the supporters. The match itself was filled with excitement as Dundalk raced into an early two-goal lead, with new signing Jad Hakiki scoring in the eighth minute, followed by a brilliant Ryan O’Kane finish.
Drogheda responded with a close-range goal from Douglas James-Taylor before the break. The visitors started the second half brightly, but Daryl Horgan’s crucial goal ten minutes after the restart extended Dundalk’s lead. Horgan secured the win with his second goal in the 85th minute, making it 4-1. James-Taylor added a second for Drogheda from the penalty spot in injury time, but it wasn’t enough to dampen Dundalk’s celebrations.
This victory moves Dundalk five points clear of their rivals at the bottom of the Premier Division table. However, the fan clashes were a disappointing postscript to an entertaining match, and repercussions are expected in the coming days.
The Louth rivals are set to clash again next Friday at United Park in Drogheda in the second round of the FAI Cup.