Matches disrupted after fans ignite fireworks targeting players on the pitch

Games at both Hashtag United and Waterford were disrupted on Friday evening after fans let off fireworks in the stands.

Footage has emerged of fans in Ireland igniting fireworks and aiming them at the players on the pitch. As a result, Waterford’s game was suspended.

Police were forced to intervene in both Essex and Ireland and as the supporters refused to stop when asked over the stadium tannoy.

Meanwhile, Hashtag United had to abandon their game after fireworks let off in a nearby house struck one of their players on the pitch.

Waterford’s game against Shamrock Rovers was suspended after fireworks exploded onto the pitch at the RSC.

Referee Rob Hennessy was forced to suspend the game after fans in the away stand ignited fireworks the and threw them down onto the pitch.

Players and sport staff were seen protecting their heads as they ducked to take cover during the fixture on Friday evening.