Richmond Park Section Closure for St Pat’s Upcoming Matches

Part of the main stand at Richmond Park will be closed for two of St Patrick’s Athletic’s upcoming home matches after an incident in last Friday’s defeat to Waterford.

The sanction follows an alleged striking of Waterford player Jorgen Voilas by a spectator during St Pat’s 2-0 home loss. The flashpoint has now triggered a firm response from the Football Association of Ireland’s disciplinary system.

An independent disciplinary committee of the FAI has handed down a fine and ordered a one-match closure of Section G in the main stand. On top of that, the committee has activated a previously suspended one-match closure for the same section, meaning a total of two games behind shut doors in that part of the ground. The club retains the right to appeal.

Timing matters here. St Pat’s host Bohemians on Saturday, and with that fixture so close, the closure will not apply. The FAI has accepted there is not enough time to put the necessary operational changes in place before then.

Instead, as it stands, Section G will be shut for two heavyweight league fixtures: the visit of Shamrock Rovers on 11 September and Shelbourne on 16 October.

In a statement, the League of Ireland confirmed the decision, outlining that “a player was struck by a spectator” during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division game between St Patrick’s Athletic and Waterford at Richmond Park on Friday, 28 August 2026. The statement detailed the fine, the one-match closure, and the activation of the previously suspended closure, and clarified that the measures would begin after the Bohemians fixture.

The FAI also underlined that the ruling “may be appealed in accordance with the FAI Disciplinary Regulations.”

Two high-profile home games, one closed section, and a disciplinary cloud hanging over Richmond Park. How St Pat’s respond off the pitch now could shape the atmosphere around their season just as the run-in tightens.