UEFA dismiss Dundalk’s complaint against Rodionov, clearing BATE striker to play in second leg

The UEFA disciplinary committee has dismissed Dundalk’s complaint against BATE Borisov captain Vitali Rodionov, clearing the striker to play in Wednesday’s Champions League second qualifying round second leg clash in Oriel Park.

Rodionov appeared to headbutt Lilywhites defender Dane Massey in the aftermath of BATE’s second goal last Wednesday, with Dundalk raising the matter with the match officials afterwards.

Rodionov appeared to hold his hands up to the incident when he issued an apology to Massey at the weekend, adding that he was “ready to take any punishment” that was forthcoming.

It had been expected that the Belarus international would be retrospectively punished with a suspension for the second leg but he has now been cleared to play in the game.

BATE striker Rodionov issues apology to Dundalk’s Dane Massey for headbutt

BATE Borisov striker Vitali Rodionov has issued an apology to Dundalk defender Dane Massey for the incident that occurred between them in the aftermath of the Belarusian side’s second goal last Wednesday.

TV replays appeared to show Rodionov headbutting the left back with the Lilywhites reporting the matter to UEFA afterwards.

They will meet on Monday to decide whether the Belarusian international is retrospectively punished, which could see him miss Wednesday’s return leg at Oriel Park. Before that though he has issued a statement on the BATE website apologising to Massey.

His statement read: “In the first half of UEFA Champions League game versus Dundalk F.C. I was involved in an incident. I am really sorry about that. At the moment I understand wrongfulness of my behaviour and accept that there is no place for aggression in football. I would like to voice my sincere apologies to Dundalk player Dane Massey.

“Together with that I would like to explain that my actions were not an assault and did not have any direct intent to harm the opponent and were not in by any means a demonstration of enmity towards him, but were only a result of emotions after we scored a goal.

“I accept wrongfulness of my behaviour and I am ready to take any punishment from UEFA Disciplinary Body and from my club. I am ready to take part in activities directed at promotion of good conduct on and off the pitch to young players as well as fair play principles.”

BATE striker Rodionov may face retrospective punishment for headbutt on Dundalk’s Dane Massey

Dundalk are hopeful that UEFA will investigate a headbutt by BATE Borisov captain Vitali Rodionov on Dane Massey in their Champions League clash yesterday evening.

The international striker was involved in an altercation with the left back after BATE’s second goal, with the Dundalk defender revealing to The Irish Independent he was shocked when the attacker headbutted him.

The referee missed the incident, but there is video footage and the UEFA match delegate is aware of the matter which opens up the possibility of retrospective punishment and a suspension for the Irish trip.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Massey, “He just leaned in and planted one on me. I was a bit stunned at first.

“He was cute enough, though, as he held my back so I couldn’t go down. That’s what crossed my mind at first.

“I put my hand up to my head and there was blood – he cut me. I was raging and we went eyeball to eyeball then. I couldn’t believe he did it. His team-mates were off celebrating the goal and he was getting involved.

“I was shouting over to the linesman to see if he’d seen it but he hadn’t but I believe there might be video footage of it so we’ll see what happens.”

Read the full article here.

McMillan away goal gives Dundalk real hope of progressing in Champions League

An away goal from David McMillan means Dundalk have every chance of progressing to the next stage of the Champions League despite going down 2-1 away to BATE Borisov in Belarus last night.

The Lilywhites were forced to come from behind when Aleksandr Karnitski put the hosts in front on 11 minutes.

After being denied by the goalkeeper and firing over from point blank range shortly after, McMillan did manage to find the net just after the half hour mark though when he slotted under the BATE goalkeeper.

Dundalk – who also went close through Dane Massey and Brian Gartland – were rocked seven minutes before half time though when a Evgeni Yablonski shot deflected off Chris Shields to squirm past Gary Rogers.

BATE piled the pressure on in the second half but couldn’t break down a stubborn Dundalk rearguard with the Lilywhites finishing the game strongly. The result means a 1-0 win next Wednesday for Stephen Kenny’s side would see them through to the third qualifying round. It’s still all very much to play for.

You can watch the match in full below:

Major boost for Dundalk as Boyle declares himself fit for Champions League clash

Dundalk’s Andy Boyle (left) with Richie Towell and Daryl Horgan on the flight to Minsk yesterday

Dundalk defender Andy Boyle has been declared fit for tonight’s Champions League second qualifying round first leg clash with BATE Borisov in Belarus.

The 24-year-old had been a major doubt for the game after limping out of last week’s 4-2 victory over Galway Utd at Eamonn Deacy Park with a calf problem.

However, he took part in light training with his team-mates at the Borisov Arena last night and should he come through today’s warm-up he will take his place at centre back alongside Brian Gartland.

Paddy Barrett is on stand by should Boyle fail to overcome the injury in time.

Stephen Kenny has an otherwise full squad to choose from ahead of the game, which gets underway at 6.30pm.

Dundalk charter flight to Belarus sells out within minutes

All places on the charter flight to Belarus for Dundalk’s Champions League second qualifying round first leg tie with BATE Borisov on Wednesday July 15^th have been taken.

The trip, which included your Visa, match ticket, flight and hotel, sold out within minutes of being announced by the club this morning.

The cost of the trip was €650.

Dundalk announce details of charter flight to Belarus for BATE Borisov clash

Dundalk FC have announced the details of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round first leg clash with BATE Borisov.

It has been confirmed that the game will take place on Wednesday July 15^th at 7.45pm.

Dundalk Football Club are running a small charter to the match in Belarus. If you would like to express your interest in joining the charter you are asked to contact the club and leave your details. However, places are said to be extremely limited at this point.

Charter Details

• Flight from Dublin to Minsk early Tuesday morning.
• The charter will fly back to Ireland straight after the match.
• One night in the 4-star Victoria Olimp Hotel including breakfast.
• All bus transfers
• Visa Costs included.

Cost: €650

Please Note

• Anybody who is going on the trip must supply their passport to the club to apply for visas.
• Your passport must have at least three months remaining before reaching its expiration date and be in good condition with two pages available for visa stamps.
• You must also be available to fill out a VISA application form and provide a valid passport photograph.
• You must have valid medical insurance that is valid worldwide and documentation to show that this is the case.
• This must be with Dundalk Football Club by Tuesday.

Please contact Oriel Park at 042-9335894 to express your interest in the trip. An expression of interest will not guarantee a place on the charter trip as numbers are extremely limited.

Second leg details can be found here.

Dundalk announce ticket details for Champions League second leg tie at Oriel Park

Dundalk FC have announced ticket details for their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round second leg tie with BATE Borisov in Oriel Park on Wednesday July 22^nd.

While details of the first leg in Belarus have not been revealed as yet, it is expected that it will take place on Wednesday July 15th. The club are expected to announce details of a charter flight later today.

Due to UEFA regulations Oriel Park will have a much-reduced capacity for the second leg of under 3,000 in total. As a result supporters are advised to purchase their tickets early.

Monday 29^th and Tuesday 30^th June: 
Priority Sales for Season Ticket Holders and 500 Club Members only

Season Ticket Holders and fully paid up members of the Dundalk FC 500 Club can purchase their tickets on Monday and Tuesday (29th/30th June). Tickets that are reserved must be collected and paid for by Monday July 6th.

Each Season Ticket holder and 500 Club Member is entitled to one ticket each.

Wednesday 1^st July – Bonus Day for supporters who attend Limerick match.

In order to cater for as many regular supporters who do not own a season ticket as possible, the club will give priority to supporters who retain their match ticket from the Limerick FC match tonight.

Supporters who pay into the Limerick match should retain their ticket and bring it to Oriel Park on Wednesday. This will entitle supporters to purchase one ticket.

Thursday 2^nd July – General Sale

Tickets will go on general sale on Thursday 2^nd July. These tickets are limited to two tickets per person.

• As all children must be supervised on match night, all U12 tickets must be sold with adult tickets.
• Any supporter with the incorrect ticket on matchnight will not be admitted to the match.
• When buying ground tickets you should specify if you require a ticket for the Shed, North –East Terrace or the Carrick Road End.
• Tickets will on sale during office hours (9-5) everyday.

Match Ticket Prices

STAND
ADULT	€25
OAP/FULL-TIME 3rd Level STUDENTS/2nd Level Students	€20
U12	€15
GROUND
ADULT	€20
OAP/FULL-TIME 3rd Level STUDENTS/2nd Level Students	€15
U12s	€10

Dundalk to release new limited edition European kit

Dundalk FC are set to release a new limited edition European home jersey ahead of next month’s Champions League clash with BATE Borisov.

The jersey will be revealed in the coming days, according to the club, and can be pre-ordered from Oriel Park from today and before tomorrow’s league clash with Limerick FC.

Dundalk are also expected to release the fixture details for the trip to Belarus later today as they await confirmation from BATE over the date for the first leg.

Dundalk to face Belarusian champions BATE in Champions League

Dundalk will face a trip to Belarus next month after being paired with BATE Borisov in the second qualifying round of the Champions League.

Based in the city of Barysaw, the 11-time Belarusian champions are their country’s most successful club and are the only team from their country to have reached the group stages of the Champions League in 2008-09, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2014-15.

Last season they were in Group H alongside Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Athletic Bilbao, taking just three points from a victory over Bilbao as they finished bottom of the group with a goal difference of -22.

The tie will take place on July 14/15 and July 21/22 with exact fixture details to be confirmed. Fans are advised not to make travel plans until exact fixture details are confirmed.

Dundalk FC have confirmed that the second leg will take place at Oriel Park, with the first leg in Belarus on July 14th/15th.