To exemplary fans

calm.

‘At the end of the match their fans invaded the pitch and we asked ours not to encroach onto the pitch and not one of them did, but it had the potential to be a very serious situation if our supporters had not handled themselves with dignity.

‘We were held inside the ground for 10 minutes as is the normal procedure, and I have no objections to that, but then outside the ground the crowd were waiting for them and they were met by a barrage of stones and bricks.

‘At that stage the Gardai arrived and it was all over in a couple of minutes.’

Mr Kierans called for calm ahead of Friday’s second leg but expressed the view that there would be no trouble.

In a statement released on their website Cobh Ramblers condemned the trouble, saying ‘It is extremely disappointing what transpired after the match and outside the ground, when a small number of people caused trouble and damage to the community and local residents.

‘Cobh Ramblers’ Committee, Management and players strongly condemn this violence which has nothing to do with the game of football and is contrary to the spirit of the club.

‘Cobh Ramblers Football Club is currently liaising with the local Gardai, the FAI and Drogheda United in relation to this matter. The Gardai are aware of the videos on social media and we are offering our full support in dealing with the perpetrators.’