League of Ireland: Declan Devine says danger from flares is league-wide issue

Bohemians goalkeeper Kacper Chorazka stands next to a flare thrown onto the pitch by Bohemians fans during the SSE Airtricity Premier Division win over St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Bohemians boss Declan Devine insists that the issue of flares being used at games is a matter for the entire League of Ireland and not just his own club.

The Gypsies saw one of their own players being struck by a flare thrown by a Bohs supporter in Friday’s Dublin derby win away to St Patrick’s Athletic.

Having laboured to a 2-2 draw at home to Sligo Rovers on the opening night of the season, Bohs pulled off a shock by beating title contenders St Patrick’s Athletic away from home, that win a welcome one for fans who saw the team struggle in derbies last season.

Midfielder Jordan Flores, used by Bohs as an emergency centre back due to an injury crisis, scored from the penalty spot five minutes from time after a slack back pass from Saints skipper Joe Redmond forced keeper Marcelo Pitaluga into a foul on Dayle Rooney in the box led to the penalty.

The game was delayed for 10 minutes after what appeared to be a combined anti-FAI protest by a section of the home and away support, early in the second half.

It led to flares being thrown on the field and there was particular concern when Bohs defender Cian Byrne was stuck on the arm by a flare thrown by one of his own supporters.

The FAI’s disciplinary committee will assess reports from the referee and the match delegate, but Bohs are likely to face a heavy fine, and a possible ban on their fans attending away games for a spell, on the back of the incident.

Devine said he could not condone the incident but claimed that his club should not be