FAI release statement on stadium incident involving Waterford FC

The FAI have released a statement in connection with last November's stadium incident during the First Division play-off final between Waterford FC and Galway United.

Markets Field, home of League of Ireland First Division club Treaty United FC, hosted the highly attended fixture where one of the stands was deemed unsafe and led to a full evacuation of the stand during the game. 

A statement, released by the FAI, read: "Following an incident during the League of Ireland Men’s First Division Play-Off fixture between Galway United FC and Waterford FC on Friday, November 4, 2022, at Markets Field in Limerick, a full investigation was conducted and a report has now been completed and sent to all stakeholders involved. 

"The report found that the incident did not occur due to malicious activity, nor a structural stand issue, but accidental excessive force contributed to the damage of the seats.

"The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the League of Ireland are currently reviewing all stadium certificates for the 2023 season and will add additional inspections where high risks are identified. Following the conclusion of the 2022 season, a Safety and Security Conference took place with all relevant club personnel. Further match operations workshops and training is currently on-going ahead of the 2023 League of Ireland season. 

"The FAI would like to thank all stakeholders involved in the report An Garda Siochana, Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership, Treaty United FC and Waterford FC."