‘Disruptive’ protest to stall Cork City’s FAI Cup semi final
A protest will take place at Turner's Cross on Friday to highlight fan concerns over the current ownership of Cork City FC.
The protest will take place ahead of City’s Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup semi final clash against St Patrick's Athletic due to kick off at 7.30pm.
Organisers have said the protest will be “disruptive in nature” and will likely result in the kick off being delayed by at least ten minutes.
No pitch incursion is being planned at any time prior to, during, or after the game.
The decision to protest comes following a recent meeting of fans and various fan groups.
Organisers said a main aim of the protest is to shine a light on club owner Dermot Usher and his “disastrous” ownership of the club which will result in two relegations in three seasons.
The club was taken over by Leinster businessman Dermot Usher in December 2022.
At the time, Usher said he was willing to fund the club with up to €850,000 in his first season.
As part of his ambitions for the club, he said he aimed for the club to achieve qualification to a European competition in the coming seasons.
However, since taking over, Cork City FC’s fortunes have been mixed, and the club currently sits 11 points adrift at the bottom of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division having won only four games of 32 played this season.
in the SSE Airtricity First Division next year. Last year the club did achieve promotion from the First Division as champions, losing only 2 games.
The other main goal of Friday’s protest is to give vocal support to the team to try to help them reach another FAI Cup Final.
Organisers said Friday night will mark the start of a series of protests that will continue to escalate (including possible on pitch protests) over the remaining two home league fixtures.
Those taking part in the protest will gather in the famous Shed End prior to kick off, which is set for 7.30pm.
A spokesperson for Cork City FC said: “The focus of everyone at the club is on Friday’s game and doing everything we can to secure a place in the FAI Cup Final."