Gardai probe mass brawl at Limerick soccer game

A MAN suffered injuries during a mass brawl at a soccer match in Limerick that had to be abandoned by the referee, the Leader has learned.

Videos of the incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, have been widely shared on social media.

It took place at the end of a Division 1 Cup match between Star Rovers and Southend in St Mary’s Park in the city.

A garda spokesperson confirmed gardaí are investigating reports of an alleged assault which occurred at a sports ground in Limerick city on the evening of Saturday, May 4.

"A male, aged in his 30s, received medical treatment for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening at this time. Investigations are ongoing," said the garda spokesperson.

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It is not known if the injured party was a player or a supporter.

The videos show a large crowd, including women and children, and some players involved in the free-for-all. It is not known what sparked the melee.

A player is being chased by a number of supporters in one of the videos seen by the Limerick Leader.

A person can be heard commenting: "It’s crazy. Look at them all. They’re all booting the heads of each other. I’ve never seen nothing like this in my life."

Pat Sheehan, the Limerick Leader's District League junior soccer correspondent, wrote in his weekly round-up that Star Rovers led league leaders Southend 3-2 deep in injury time when the referee was forced to abandon the game.

"Two stunning goals from Emmet Hehir and one from Jake Downey had the home side 3-0 in front. Southend fought back and a brace of goals from Denis Brophy set up an exciting finish until it was spoiled by scenes that have no place on a football field," wrote Mr Sheehan.

A spokesperson for the Limerick District League told the Limerick Leader they would be making no comment until they receive the referee's match report.

It is understood they meet every Tuesday night where any issues over the previous weekend can be raised.

One person with knowledge of the soccer scene in Limerick said it was "a dark day on a lovely sunny evening".

"Ye in the media will blow this up but it is no reflection on the two teams, clubs or the soccer scene in Limerick as a whole.

"It is always a minority that cause all the trouble but it doesn't make for pleasant viewing - I can't deny that."

The person, who agreed to speak if they weren't identified, said a distressing aspect of the videos that are doing the rounds on social media is the children appear to be excited by the goings on.

"It's a terrible example to be setting kids who are playing their own underage games and will one day go on to play soccer as adults.

"The other part of it is the referee. It is hard enough to get referees these days and scenes like that would hardly entice you to get involved. It's just sad. I just hope the person is OK and makes a full recovery," they told the Leader.