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League and clubs have to address pyrotechnics - Declan Devine

Cian Byrne reacts after being struck by a flare
Cian Byrne reacts after being struck by a flare

Bohemians manager Declan Devine believes that the League of Ireland and club officials will have to work together to remove flares and pyrotechnics from the stands before someone gets seriously hurt.

The game between St Patrick's Athletic and Bohemians saw the referee take the players off the pitch at the start of the second half after flares rained down on the pitch, having been thrown by supporters in the Bohemians section.

Bohemians ran out 1-0 winners courtesy of a late penalty but the game will be remembered for what happened in the stands more so than the pitch as Boh’s Cian Byrne was hit by one of the flares thrown.

Devine confirmed that Byrne suffered a burn due to the incident and called for action to be taken across the entire league to end such scenes.

"Cian Byrne’s come away with a burnt arm," he told RTÉ Sport.

"I think throughout the league it’s an issue, I think right throughout the league pyrotechnics are becoming an issue.

"As a league we’ve got to understand that it’s not a Bohs issue, it’s not a Pat’s issue as a league we’re going to have to come together and get a conclusion because someone’s going to get hurt.

"The bottom line for me is that both sets of fans have let off flares, it’s not acceptable that they’re coming close to players or in danger of hurting someone."

On the pitch Jordan Flores' converted from the penalty spot with 11 minutes to go for the game's only goal.

Devine was pleased with the way his side dug in against St Pat’s following a hectic 24 hours for Bohs on the transfer front.

Bohs signed Hull City defender Jevon Mills, fellow defender Luke Matheson on loan from Bolton, Polish striker Filip Piszczek and Aboubacar Keita from MLS outfit Colorado Rapids on deadline day and with so many new faces, the Bohs boss was happy with the way they quickly settled in.

"I think considering that we signed four players last night and a player the day before, so five in 48 hours, we’ve got to be happy with that.

"But that character of the players tonight is the most pleasing thing because I know we’ve got a lot of good players.

"A lot of players were playing out position tonight so to keep the clean sheet and get the three points, it’s been a good night."

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