'Drama over nothing': Kevin McHugh critical of FAI's handling of sweet-throwing incident

The Finn Harps manager, Kevin McHugh, has criticised the FAI’s handling of an incident where a sweet was thrown at an opposition player recently.

Harps were slapped with what the club described as a “significant fine” after a a supporter threw a sweet at a Cork City player at a recent game at Finn Park.

The incident, which will also bring stewarding at the venue into the spotlight, occurred during the 0-0 draw with the First Division leaders.

Harps were fined €500 by the Football Association of Ireland.

“It's just unfortunate,” McHugh said after Friday’s game against Cobh Ramblers. “There's other stuff that they need to tidy up, but certainly not some 10-year-old throwing a sweet on the pitch. Thankfully, it's a one-off.

“To me, it's just drama over nothing. There's other stuff that they can sort out, but those kind of things, it's unfortunate for the club just to be hit by a fine.”

In a statement issued on Friday, Harps warned that anyone found throwing objects onto the pitch at Finn Park will be issued with a lifetime ban.

Harps said they identified the projectile thrown as a sweet and said they have a “zero tolerance policy” for such behaviour.

“Any act that endangers the safety of players, staff, or officials will not be tolerated,” Harps said in a statement.

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“Anyone found throwing objects onto the pitch, regardless of size, will face an immediate lifetime ban.

“Such incidents result in serious financial penalties and divert resources away from supporting the team and developing club facilities.

“Supporters are reminded of their responsibility to conduct themselves in a safe and respectful manner at all times.”