SHELBOURNE HAVE received plenty of praise for their classy gesture to Galway United ahead of their clash this Friday.
Shels fans are not allowed attend the away fixture due to an incident which occurred during their 2-2 draw with Drogheda United earlier this month.
Match official Dermot Broughton was struck by a pyrotechnic that was thrown from the Reds end.
This resulted in a complete away attendance ban for Damien Duff’s side’s trip to Galway.
However, Shelbourne have found a solution to combat the loss of revenue the ban brings to Galway United.
The club are selling virtual tickets for the clash with all the funds going to their opposition.
The statement read: “In light of the current circumstances prohibiting our supporters from attending this Friday’s match against Galway United, Shelbourne FC is this evening launching a fundraiser where all proceeds will go directly to Galway United.
“Collective punishment for the conduct of the few impacts unfairly on the vast majority of Shelbourne FC supporters who abide by the rules and represent the club with pride in Tolka Park and all around Ireland.
“It also disproportionately impacts Galway United and the local economy, who will be without the business of what would’ve been a packed away end at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night, with many supporters staying overnight too.
“We invite all Shelbourne FC supporters and football fans across the League of Ireland to join us if they can and buy a €10 ticket for Friday. 100% of proceeds will go to Galway United.”
Fans from clubs across the league have shared their praise online for the table-toppers.
The incident against Drogheda was the latest in an ongoing debate over flares at League of Ireland matches.
After the clash, Duff slammed the ’embarrassing’ actions and welcomed the imminent punishment.
He raged: “I will go in and see [Dermot Broughton] now. I think he’s okay, the fact that he came back, but shameful and embarrassing for the football club.
“The person that did it should be embarrassed of themselves. Their family should be embarrassed of them.
“Shelbourne Football Club, the away fans, the home fans, everybody should be embarrassed by their behaviour and they shouldn’t be allowed come to a game again.
“Chant, say, sing what you want. Be as loud as you want.
“To throw an object at another human being, whether it is walking out on the street, on a football pitch, wherever.
“Mind boggling stuff. If we really want to hit home with the person, they affected the flow of the game.
“It is a disgrace.
“I’d love to even meet the person. Bring them down to the training ground, he or she. What is going through your mind?”