An investigation into a fireworks incident at a Waterford FC game last November has come to a close.
Fireworks were let off during a match against Shamrock Rovers, with a certain number of Rovers fans being blamed for the incident.
Two arrests were made at the time and one person was injured in the incident.
The Football Association of Ireland launched their own investigation and have today (Wednesday) announced its conclusion.
Their Disciplinary Control Unit had initially decided that Rovers' league opener for 2022 be played behind closed doors as punishment and a fine be imposed.
However, in a statement this afternoon, the FAI says that "an independent Appeal Committee has now ruled that the original decision to play the Shamrocks Rovers FC v UCD AFC game on February 18th behind closed doors be set aside and the fine imposed on Shamrock Rovers FC be increased to €5,000."
Their statement in full reads as follows:
The Football Association of Ireland can confirm the conclusion to the investigation around a fireworks incident at the Waterford FC v Shamrock Rovers FC fixture on November 5th last. This matter has progressed through the Association’s judicial process and an independent Appeal Committee has now ruled that the original decision to play the Shamrock Rovers FC v UCD AFC game on February 18th behind closed doors be set aside and the fine imposed on Shamrock Rovers FC be increased to €5,000.
