SLIGO ROVERS CHAIRMAN Tony Quinn has this afternoon condemned the attack on a bus carrying Limerick FC supporters this weekend.
The newly-promoted club said this weekend that their fans’ journey home lasted well into the early hours of Sunday because they had to wait for a replacement for the vandalised coach on the edge of Sligo.
“On behalf of Sligo Rovers I deplore the Saturday night incident on the outskirts of Sligo during which a bus, carrying Limerick FC supporters, was attacked,” a statement from the Premier Division champions reads today.
“This random act of unprovoked and utterly unacceptable violence could have caused serious injury and anyone with information about it should assist the Gardai with their inquiries. Limerick has a well-deserved reputation as one of the country’s sporting strongholds and it is a wonderful boost for League of Ireland football to have a rejuvenated Limerick FC back in the Premier Division.
“The supporters of Limerick FC, like the travelling fans of every visiting club, were welcome guests in Sligo Showgrounds on Saturday and they behaved impeccably at all times during an exciting, evenly-contested game.
“I welcome the statement of Limerick FC on its website that Saturday night’s incident was ‘unrelated in any way to Sligo Rovers football club where our team, management and supporters were welcomed and looked after in exemplary fashion.’
The statement continues: “Any individual whose behaviour undermines the reputation of Sligo Rovers Football Club is not welcome at the Showgrounds. While we compete for points, we are all part of a football family and it is essential for the future of the of League of Ireland that the principle of respect is understood and practiced by supporters of all clubs, Sligo Rovers included. On behalf of SRFC, I wish to thank the local people who helped the Limerick supporters after Saturday night’s disgraceful incident.”
Sligo beat Limerick 2-1 to continue their impressive start to the season. Read the full letter from Tony Quinn here.
