Ireland fans throw tennis balls to disrupt Euro qualifier

ByReuters

Updated 26/03/2019 at 22:18 GMT

Irish fans disrupted a Euro 2020 qualifier against Georgia on Tuesday by throwing tennis balls onto the pitch in protest at chief executive John Delaney's continued role in the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

Ireland supporters protest against Executive Vice President John Delaney during the 2020 UEFA European Championships group D qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Georgia at Aviva Stadium on March 26, 2019 in Dublin, Ireland

Image credit: Getty Images

Play was held up for three minutes late in the first half while Ireland waited to take a free kick deep in Georgian territory as stewards cleared dozens of tennis balls thrown on to the pitch by fans angry at the FAI for moving Delaney sideways into a new role.

Conor Hourihane gave Ireland the lead in the Group D clash directly from the resulting free kick. The match finished 1-0.

Delaney is due to appear before lawmakers on April 10 to explain a €100,000 personal loan, provided to the FAI two years ago to help his employer with what it called a short-term cash flow issue.

Euro 2024

Kvekveskiri fires Georgia to first major tournament, Ukraine qualify after Iceland win

26/03/2024 at 23:22

Ireland supporters protest against Executive Vice President John Delaney as Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph looks on during the 2020 UEFA European Championships group D qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Georgia at Aviva Stadium on March

Image credit: Getty Images

Delaney's loan to the FAI, which did not appear in the FAI's audited accounts and prompted questions about the body's financial position, has been a major news story since the Sunday Times first reported it 10 days ago.

Delaney failed in a court application to prevent the disclosure, the newspaper said.

The former CEO said it was the only time he gave such a loan and it was repaid in full.

Sport Ireland, the state body responsible for sports development, said it wrote to the FAI President seeking urgent clarification from the FAI Board concerning the loan, including its circumstances and its repayment.

As Executive Vice President - a new role created just as he stepped aside as CEO - Delaney will have responsibility for a range of international matters including those relating to FIFA and UEFA and FAI tournament bidding projects. He will work closely with the new CEO, the FAI said.

Richard Keogh of Ireland removes a tennis ball thrown onto the pitch in protest at FAI Executive Vice President John Delaney during the 2020 UEFA European Championships group D qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Georgia at Aviva Stadium on M

Image credit: Getty Images

The FAI said Delaney's move to a new role was the result of a review of its senior management structure which was commissioned in February and carried out in recent weeks.

Hull City fans disrupted a League Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers in 1998 by throwing tennis balls in protest at development plans by then owner David Lloyd, a former tennis player. He sold the club later the same year.

Fans of Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla, Basel and Luzern, have all thrown tennis balls in protest at kickoff times.

UEFA Nations League

England drawn with Rep of Ireland in Nations League, Scotland to face Portugal

08/02/2024 at 23:47

Euro Qualifying

'My instinct is that is not going to happen' - Kenny on prospect of new contract

22/11/2023 at 00:12

Euro Qualifying

‘The ugly part of football’ - Gavi to have surgery on torn ACL

20/11/2023 at 12:06

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me