Duff: I was angry over Shels’ smoke bomb

Damien Duff has said he wants to help the Shelbourne fan who threw a smoke bomb at a match official in Drogheda last Friday – even though the league leaders could face an away supporter ban for their visit to Galway as a consequence.

Shelbourne will today find out their punishment when the FAI’s independent disciplinary panel considers the events at Weavers Park. A precedent involving Bohemians earlier this season means it is expected that Shels fans will be prevented from travelling to a fixture and their next away day is in Galway on Friday week.

However, Duff has said he would welcome the culprit to the training ground for a conversation, feeling it would be more constructive than vilifying them. But he has reiterated his view that the league as a whole needs to get serious about crowd behaviour.

“I’ve obviously calmed down. It was a horrible sight. I was angry, embarrassed as everyone was at the club. It hurt the fans as well, whether they found the person or what,” said Duff.

“Again (that’s) on me, I was angry and emotional and probably quick to slaughter the person. At the same time, I’m keen to help as well. You hear rumours that it was a young boy or whatever, young enough that they shouldn’t have been there.

“I’m sure he’s grossly embarrassed and gone underground, but you can’t just leave him be as well. When I said come down to the training ground, it wasn’t to get him in a headlock or anything. No, just have a chat. I’m sure the person has learned. We can be quick to vilify and by my tone you would have got that, but I want to help as well.

The Shelbourne boss added: “I’m no angel, I have made loads of mistakes in my life. I was pointing the finger on Friday night but I want to help. It is a young fan base and from a positive point of view that’s why the crowds are growing.”

However, Duff has added that episodes like Friday and a racist chant aimed at fitness coach Mauro Martins, when Shels visited Richmond Park last month – again a young fan was identified as being responsible – highlight a wider difficulty.

“With things like this the crowds could suffer – Mauro being racially abused, feeling safe at the game, it would stop the next group of young fans coming as they wouldn’t feel safe,” he said.

“Granted, we’re in the news and it’s our problem at the minute and it’s a Shelbourne problem, I’d like to think it will never happen again, especially when I’m here.

“But I don’t think anyone can argue, it’s a league problem. It’s rife around the league. It needs to be sorted sooner rather than later.”