SLIGO ROVERS HAVE warned that supporters run the risk of spoiling the club’s historic title celebrations if they invade the pitch on Friday night.
Mark Quigley’s late league clincher against St Pat’s sparked joyous celebrations in the Showgrounds, but club officials are anxious to avoid a repeat of the scenes which followed the full-time whistle as fans streamed on to the pitch to celebrate with their heroes.
The champions host Shamrock Rovers in their final game of the season on Friday night, after which they will be presented with their first Premier Division title since 1977.
With a capacity crowd of 6,000 fans expected, plans have been put in place for extended post-match celebrations including a lap of honour by manager Ian Baraclough and his men.
“There are over 6,000 fans set to attend Friday’s game and we want every single person to enjoy the celebrations,” chairman Dermot Kelly said.
“The St Pat’s game saw fans enter the pitch after full-time and it was no surprise given the manner in which we won the league and the joy that came with it. But for this game there will be extended celebrations and it would be nice for all fans to get close to the trophy in the lap of honour and to view Danny Ventre lifting it for the first time.
“We don’t want to take away from what will be one of the best moments in the history of Sligo Rovers and it would be nice if everyone could enjoy it together in the stands.
“We’ll have increased stewarding for the end of the game and we ask all fans to comply with the club request.”
