The damaged penalty spot which has led to the postponement

Referee Tomas Connolly called off the Airtricity Premier league clash between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers due to damage on the surface beside the penalty spot at one of the ends. Picture:Arthur Carron

Referee Tomas Connolly called off the Airtricity Premier league clash between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers due to damage on the surface beside the penalty spot at one of the ends. Picture:Arthur Carron

It's been an embarrassing night for the League of Ireland and a ball has not been kicked in anger.

Furious fans took to social media this evening after the game between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers, scheduled to kick off at 7.45 at Dalymount Park, was postponed due to the state of one of the penalty spots.

A very large crowd was expected at the game, with the entire allocation of tickets given to the Hoops sold out, but the fans were forced to turn home after the officials deemed the pitch unplayable.

Dalymount is historically the "home of Irish football", and hosted many Irish internationals and FAI Cup finals.

It has also hosted UEFA Champions League qualifiers, UEFA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup clashes.

A statement from the FAI read: "The Football Association of Ireland today (August 18) confirmed that following a pitch inspection, this evening’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division game between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers has been postponed.

"The decision was made by Tomás Connolly, the referee in charge of the fixture, after he inspected the pitch and deemed it unplayable due to repair work that has been carried out inappropriately.

"A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course."

Fans vented their fury at the news. Here are the pick of the tweets:

View the story "Ridiculous, shambles, disgrace - Fans react after Bohs-Rovers clash is cancelled due to penalty spot damage" on Storify

Online Editors