A FINN HARPS SUPPORTERS GROUP who had a number of flags either stolen or destroyed during last Friday’s North-West derby against Derry City have had replacement banners donated by a Donegal businessman.
Peter McLaughlin from Donegal Signs in Muff presented the 54 Crew Finn Harps Supporters Club with the new banners which will be unfurled at Oriel Park on Friday night when Harps face Airtricity League champions Dundalk.
“A great supporter of local football, this fantastic gesture proves the generosity of the public shows no bounds,” a statement from the 54 Crew FHSC said.
“We’re absolutely blown away by this gesture and kindness from this local businessman and are eternally grateful to Peter and all at Donegal Signs.”
54 Crew members were devastated last Friday night at the damage done to their display.
Derry City fans forced their way into the River End of Finn Park – a restricted area for supporters where the flags were draped – and defaced a number of valuable items.
One flag was stolen and another torn from the fence and urinated on by a group of youngsters who had watched the game in the away end. The iconic large flag on which a Harps jersey is depicted that has been on the go since the FAI Cup final in 1999 has been destroyed.
The 54 Crew said in a statement on their Facebook page: “The yellow crowd cover with the jersey on the front has sadly been destroyed by people tramping it into the ground when leaving as well as a number of thugs who tore it purposely.
“A number of other flags have also gone missing or have been destroyed by these same people, an estimated €1,000 euro of damage has been caused, potentially much more if some flags cannot be repaired.
“We would like to publicly condemn the actions of these so-called Derry supporters, and appeal for anyone with any information as to the whereabouts of the missing flags, or any information to the identities of those responsible for these despicable actions, so we can rightly bring a small bit of justice to this situation.
“We as a group pride ourselves on our good behaviour, good reputation and good relationships with each club across the country and are devastated to have to count the costs of damage after a night that saw nearly 5,000 people witness the joy of League of Ireland football in action.
“Please, if anyone has any information, bring it to our attention, anonymous or otherwise, and we will be very grateful.”
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