BOHEMIANS HAVE INSISTED that Dalymount Park was playable on Monday night after an expert inspection of the pitch took place yesterday.
Referee Tomas Connolly sensationally called off the tie between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers before kick-off due to what he deemed was an unsafe pitch as there was a divot in the penalty box.
But an official statement released by Bohemians tonight has rejected those claims.
“Bohemian FC is pleased to confirm that an expert inspection of the pitch at Dalymount Park has assessed it as playable and presenting no safety hazard to players.
“The inspection took place on Tuesday 19 August, the day after the referee cancelled a match between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers on the grounds that the pitch was unsafe for players. The report received today presents expert opinion that the pitch was safe.
“A small repaired area behind one penalty spot had been identified by the referee as a particular issue. Agricultural scientist Pat Suttle reported to Bohemian FC “that the area in question did not constitute a hazard of such seriousness that it would cause serious injury to players”.
“He concluded: “It is my opinion that the pitch was playable and that it did not constitute a safety hazard to players”.
“This report also concluded that there may have been “a breakdown in communication between the referee and the groundsman through no fault on either side”, when they spoke on Monday evening before the referee made his decision.
“A consultant preparing a further report for the Football Association of Ireland has indicated to club officials that he did not consider the pitch unsafe.”
