Bohemians have officially welcomed the decision to sentence the four individuals charged with criminal offences in Derry and condemned them for their actions.
Four so-called Bohs supporters were sentenced to three months in prison after being charged with causing £3,000 (€4,328) worth of damage to the Tavern Bar in Derry City on Tuesday evening.
In a statement released by the club today, they said: 'The Board of the Bohemian Football Club condemns unreservedly the actions of the individuals charged and convicted of criminal offences in Derry. The Board welcomes the sentences of the court in these cases. They send a clear signal to those intent on causing trouble.'
The incident occurred before Bohemians lost the eircom League Cup final 1-0 to the Candystripes, and the club believe they are moving in the right direction to remove the more unsavoury element from their fan-base.
The statement continued: 'In recent years, Bohemian FC has invested significant resources in a bid to permanently remove a small minority of troublemakers. During this period almost 20 people have been banned permanently from Dalymount Park. We have recently introduced measures aimed at ensuring in as far as possible that these known troublemakers do not gain access to away grounds.
'Some of the individuals involved in the Derry incident are among those who are banned from Dalymount Park and similar life bans will be issued to others identified during court proceedings in Derry.'
The club outlined their pre-match travel preparations and praised the 600 or so genuine supporters who made the trip without incident.
The statement added: 'Bohemian Football Club wishes to make it clear that those involved travelled independently and were not part of the group of some 300 supporters who travelled on the six coaches the club organised for the official trip. The arrangements to put that initiative in place were facilitated with the sporting assistance of Derry City Football Club. In all, some 600 genuine supporters travelled, mixed freely with Derry City fans prior to the game without a hint of trouble and supported our team superbly.'
Club President Gerry Cuffe said: 'We are sure we speak for these supporters and all genuine fans and reflect the deep sense of anger felt within the club by condemning totally this mindless minority.'
He concluded: 'Violent behaviour is an increasing problem within society in general and sporting clubs, including the Bohemian Football Club, are not immune to this trend. The assumed attachment to our club and other bodies and events as a flag of convenience to mask reprehensible activities indicates the mindset society is dealing with in these instances.'
