Soccer

No sanction for Bohemians over unplayable pitch

Last Monday’s derby against Shamrock Rovers postponed at the last minute due to condition of playing surface

An area of the pitch which resulted in the game being called off at dalymount Park. Photograph Donall Farmer/Inpho
An area of the pitch which resulted in the game being called off at dalymount Park. Photograph Donall Farmer/Inpho
John Fallon
Wed Aug 20 2014 - 18:22

Bohemians will not face any sanction from the FAI arising from the controversial late postponement of Monday's Dublin derby against Shamrock Rovers.

Match referee Tomas Connolly had deemed the Dalymount Park pitch unplayable 45 minutes before kick-off, with the FAI subsequently revealing the repair work on the surface was "inappropriate."

That fuelled speculation of a possible reprimand for the club from the governing body but, speaking yesterday, the league's director Fran Gavin insisted they were more interested in ensuring the pitch is rectified in time for the next fixture which could come as early as next Monday, should Bohemians' FAI Cup third round tie in Cork City on Friday require a replay.

“There are rules around matches not being played and bringing the game into disrepute but we’re not going down that road at the moment,” explained Gavin, speaking at the Aviva Stadium after helping launch the newly-titled Continental Tyres women’s national league.

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“We’re in discussions with the club on how, together, we can prevent something like this occurring in the future.”

Meanwhile, Gavin confirmed that the FAI were investigating a complaint of racism lodged by Bray Wanderers on behalf of their player Ismahil Akinade against an opponent following last week's game with Sligo Rovers.

“Any allegation of racism we take very, very seriously,” said Gavin. “We don’t want any of that in our behaviour. We need to have a thorough investigation and will make sure all parties cooperate.”

As well as becoming title sponsor of the women’s national league, which kicks off this Sunday, Continental Tyres will also lend its name to the Continental Tyres women’s League Cup, the FAI Cup and elite camps that foster the development of emerging football talent.