A riot broke out during the friendly match between Republic of Ireland vs England at Lansdowne Road in Dublin in 1995. Photograph: INPHO/Billy SticklandThere were not enough gardaí present at Lansdowne Road stadium in Dublin to prevent a riot from breaking out during a notorious abandoned friendly match against England 30 years ago, according to newly released records. The fixture on February 15th 1995 had to be stopped after 27 minutes when some English fans, located in the upper section of the west stand, tore up seats and fittings and threw them at the people below. The Republic of Ireland were leading 1-0 in the friendly match when the unrest broke out. Ministers were told the violence was “targeted, planned and intended” and “the segregation of English fans was inadequate”.

Source: The Irish Times December 29, 2025 12:02 UTC