Dundalk to appeal UEFA fine

Dundalk are set to challenge UEFA’s decision to fine them €18,000 for the flying of a Palestinian flag during last month’s Europa League game against Hajduk Split.

UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee charged the club under Article 16 (2) of their disciplinary rules after a section of Dundalk supporters waved Palestine flags during the course of the game, an action UEFA deems inappropriate.

UEFA were also unhappy with the decision by a tiny number of Dundalk’s supporters to watch the game from a standing rather than seated area of the ground.

This combination of events has led to the club receiving a fine totalling €18,000, although the club, as of last night, are unaware of the breakdown of the charges.

They are, however, bemused by the severity of the fine – and having received advice from the FAI – plan to appeal, a process which will cost them €1,000 but one which Dundalk’s officials believe will be successful.

Dundalk fined €18,000 by UEFA for “inappropriate” flags

The Palestinian flag being waved at Oriel Park

Dundalk have been hit with an €18,000 fine by UEFA as a result of “inappropriate” flags being waved at Oriel Park.

Lilywhites fans were waving Palestine flags at their recent Europa League clash with Hajduk Split at Oriel Park, which have apparently been deemed by UEFA to be inappropriate.

The Carrick Road outfit have released a statement confirming the fine and that they have requested additional information from the governing body.

The statement read: “Dundalk FC can confirm that the club has been charged by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee.

“These charges relate to Article 16 (2) of the Disciplinary Rules (relating to flags that have been deemed by UEFA to be inappropriate) and Article 45 UEFA Stadium Infrastructure (relating to the prohibition of standing supporters).

“The total fine is €18,000 for these charges.

“Dundalk FC have requested further information from UEFA on these charges before beginning any appeals process.

“Dundalk FC will be making no further comment on this issue until it is fully resolved.”

Light Up the Lough event planned for Omeath tomorrow

A Light Up the Lough event in support of the people of Palestine will take place on Omeath shore this Friday at 9.45pm.

Similar events will also be taking place on the other sides of Carlingford Lough at Warrenpoint and Rostrevor ahead of the release of lanterns at 10pm sharp.

All are welcome to attend to send a strong message of support to those suffering at present. You are asked to bring flags, candles and lanterns if you can.

Dundalk doctor launches Gaza Toy Drive

Blackrock-based GP Dr Samir Akhal has launched a new Gaza Toy Drive to help those suffering in Palestine at present.

The popular doctor, who also works with Dundalk FC, is appealing for people to donate first aid kits, bandages, dressing and plasters, nappies, cotton wool, baby wipes, toys and books, children’s bikes, pumps and repairs, as well as clothes for babies and children up to 18 years old.

People are asked to drop their items off at the South Beach Medical Centre in Blackrock by August 15^th with further details available from Dr Samir at 042-9323421.

Gaza protest in the Market Square tomorrow

Some of the crowd that gathered in the Market Square for a previous protest

A third Support Gaza Protest will take place in the Market Square in Dundalk tomorrow (Saturday).

The event gets underway at 1pm and all are welcome to come along on the day to show their solidarity with the people of Palestine during the ongoing conflict with Israel.

Previous protests have taken place on Fridays, with up to 500 people attending the initial one a fortnight ago.

Another large turnout at Support Gaza Protest

Some of the crowd that gathered in the Market Square for the protest at lunchtime today. Picture: Kenneth Sloane

There was another large turnout at the Market Square in Dundalk this afternoon for the second Support Gaza Protest.

Around 500 people turned out for a previous protest last week aimed at showing solidarity during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine and the figure was estimated to be roughly similar in a sunny town centre.

Local Sinn Féin councillors have been appealing for people to boycott Israeli products during the ongoing conflict.

Second Support Gaza Protest planned for Dundalk tomorrow

Some of the crowd who gathered at the Market Square in Dundalk for the previous protest

A second Support Gaza Protest will take place at the Market Square in Dundalk tomorrow (Friday) at 1pm.

Around 500 people turned out for a previous protest last week aimed at showing solidarity during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

All are welcome to attend tomorrow’s protest.

500 turn out for Gaza protest at the Market Square

Some of the crowd who gathered at the Market Square in Dundalk today

Sinn Féin in Dundalk today held a protest at the Market Square to show their solidarity with the people of Gaza who are under siege.

At the time of the protest, Israel had resumed its rocket fire on Gaza after a brief ceasefire. Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas in the world so any rocket that is fired into it will find civilian casualties. There have been countless images and videos lately on social media documenting the horrors faced by the Palestinian people.

This cross community event saw around 500 people turn out in what for the majority was a way of showing their support for the besieged Palestinians.

One woman at the event said “I have seen these images on Facebook and wanted to do more than just ‘like and share’, I felt moved to come here today and show my support.”

Similar events are organised for the day across the country.

Rally in solidarity with Palestine planned for Dundalk this afternoon

A rally will take place at the Market Square in Dundalk this lunchtime (1pm) aimed at showing solidarity with those in Palestine.

The aim of the event is to encourage the international community to intervene in the ongoing conflict and all support is welcomed.

Dundalk a venue for European Street Football Festival next year

The European Street Football Festival 2015 will take place in Ireland next year, with Dundalk one of the destinations it is set for.

The tournament will also be held in Dublin, Newry, Warrenpoint and Belfast, with the committee choosing the five locations having specially selected “post-conflict zones” around the world for the past five years.

The success of the Northern Ireland peace process is one of the main reasons the tournament has come to Ireland, with the competition’s primary aim being to unite young people through football.

A total of 24 delegations, aged between 14 and 17, will take part in the event with both sides of the border represented, as well as players from the likes of Israel, Palestine and the Balkan states.

The event will take place in August next year and will bring around 300 participants to the town.