The Football Association of Ireland have been accused of manhandling and intimidating supporters by the fans’ group You Boys In Green (YBIG) after attempts were made by security to stop a protest against the FAI and its chief executive, John Delaney, during Tuesday’s friendly with the USA in Dublin.

Supporters were protesting over the allegedly unfair distribution of tickets for last week’s Euro 2016 qualifier in Scotland after season-ticket holders were left without access to the game at Celtic Park, spawning accusations that some tickets ended up in the hands of sponsors instead.

There was a heightened security presence in the lower tier of the south stand at the Aviva Stadium, where the most vocal Irish fans gather, and when banners were displayed by fans security waded in to confiscate them. One banner read “Delaney: godfather of greed” and there were sustained chants of “Delaney out” throughout the 4-1 win.

“Fans have been left shocked and angered by the heavy-handed treatment of stadium personnel,” a statement released by YBIG read. “This included the removal of banners as well as the intimidation and manhandling of supporters resulting in a completely unnecessary escalation of tension.”

Its spokesperson, Kevin McDaid, has told the Guardian that it will persist in its calls for better governance at the FAI and will continue to protest despite Ireland’s next game not being until March, when they host Poland in a Euro 2016 qualifier.

“You have to ask what the FAI’s mindset was for wading in so heavily to take those banners,” McDaid said. “Sixteen gardai in one area and none around the rest of the ground – that makes no sense. There were people pushed over and there were threats made if the banners weren’t handed over to stewards.

“A lot of people think this is us throwing our toys out of the pram because of Scotland and, while ticketing is a huge issue, this is about more than that. This is about the League of Ireland, it’s about the youth system in place and, most of all, the lack of governance at the association. We can’t get any answers from them. There’s no accountability there whatsoever.”

YBIG had met the FAI three weeks ago to discuss the ticketing issue and, according to McDaid, had suggested to the association that they would send out a joint statement following their discussions. The FAI would not agree and there has since been a breakdown in communication between both – despite suggestions before that meeting of YBIG being recognised as an official supporters’ group.

The FAI has refused to comment.