Lack of bulbs and searches are turning off the United fans

THE level of anger I witnessed in United Park on Friday night was only matched by the scenes after the last game of last season.

On that night, relegated home fans were ‘ locked in’ to allow the away fans to go home.

Some swift action from a section of home supporters soon changed the minds of the stewards as they charged the gates and opened them - but it left a sour taste in the mouth for many to this day.

Then came last Friday and fans - many of them elderly - were subjected to searches. Were they carrying knives, guns, flares, rocket launchers?

Again, many just left the area rather than be subjected to such actions. They won’t be back.

In grounds around the country, fans, especially home ones, are not treated in such a fashion. Even in England, fans are given more respect than that.Bags are searched and that’s fine, but after that, real concerns in terms of terrorist attacks should be apparent before the ‘search everyone’ policy is envoked.

Then came the ultimate embarrassment - not enough working bulbs in the floodlights to allow the game go ahead according to the referee.

But he was running around the pitch at 7pm warming up and didn’t see a problem?

Could he have started the game and give it 20 minutes to see if there were danger issues and then decide?

Anybody who attended the pre-season games could see the problem. The blubs were missing then, so Friday was no surprise.

At a time when the League of Ireland - especially the First Division - needs to show real professionalism and leadership, it was missing in abundance at United Park last Friday night.

If this scenario occurred in Finn Park in Ballybofey, I would seek the three points on default - and let the club and the FAI fight it out about who was to blame.

Harps fans had to queue for their money back after the game while United fans with tickets can come back for free to see Athlone Town. It was scheduled for a Frday night but that is switched to a Sunday at 3pm now. Fans unable to attend that game should be allowed return their Harps tickets and get their money back.

A strong review of how the club look after loyal fans is badly needed to win back any credibility after the debacle inside and outside the ground.