Pender and Kearns face action after ugly scenes at end of Belfield match

BOHEMIANS captain Derek Pender and UCD goalkeeper Conor Kearns will be charged with violent conduct by the FAI following the melee at the final whistle at the UCD Bowl on Monday. Players from both sides had to be separated after Kearns celebrated in front of the away fans following UCD’s 1-0 win. Yoyo Mahdy’s early goal made it seven points in nine for Collie O’Neill’s side, who move three points clear of relegation, while Bohs missed a chance to close the gap on Shamrock Rovers to three points. Pender went head-to-head with Kearns, a Rovers supporter, while the Gypsies’ Keith Buckley may also face retrospective action for placing his hands on Kearns (right). Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot acted as a mediator in an attempt to defuse tensions before defeated manager Keith Long dragged his players away. Objects were seen being hurled from the stand in Kearns’ direction as he left the field. Referee Derek Tomney, who stayed on the field until the baying away support had left the ground, cited both players for violent conduct in his report. However, as no additional cards were shown to the players, they are both likely to be eligible for Sunday’s fixtures. Bohs host St Patrick’s Athletic while UCD travel to Shamrock Rovers. ‘It’s something that other teams do against us,’ said O’Neill. ‘Bohs fans were absolutely electric and we had a bit of a good following too. It adds to it, and it’s part of the reason as to why these guys are doing so well. You want to play in games like this. Nobody wants to go back to the First Division.’