Tennis ball protest at Republic of Ireland's match against Georgia results in fine from UEFA
Saturday 27 April 2019 10:37, UK
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has been fined 10,000 Euros (£8,600) by UEFA after Republic of Ireland fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch in their European Qualifier against Georgia on March 26.
Some supporters threw balls onto the playing surface at the Aviva Stadium in protest at the FAI's decision to create a new role for John Delaney.
The 51-year-old stepped down from his position as chief executive of the FAI in March after 14 years in charge but immediately took up the role of vice-president of the organisation, although he has now agreed to leave that position as well.
That move angered many Irish fans, leading to their tennis ball-protest, with UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body fining the FAI for the throwing of objects onto the pitch in their 1-0 win over Georgia.
Controversy has continued to dog the FAI, with the entire board having indicated they will step down after it emerged that Delaney provided it with a bridging loan in April 2017 to prevent it exceeding its €1.5m (£1.3m) bank overdraft.
Sport Ireland subsequently suspended funding to the FAI after they acknowledged failing to comply with grant approval terms.
On the pitch, Mick McCarthy's side return to action in a tough European Qualifier away to Denmark on June 7, before facing Gibraltar at home three days later.
