Cork TD removed from Turners Cross during protest over John Delaney controversy

A CORK TD  was thrown out of Friday night's Cork City vs St Patrick's Athletic match after a crowd protest against FAI executive vice president John Delaney.

Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Jonathan O'Brien - who is a former chair of the FORAS supporters' group which helped save the club from extinction - was removed during the protests.

In a scene mirroring similar protests at games across the country, Cork City fans unfurled a large flag at Friday night's game emblazoned with the slogan "Delaney out".

The slogan is in reference to John Delaney, who is facing fan and political calls to resign due to financial questions surrounding the FAI.

Some Cork City FC fans clashed with stewards and gardaí during the protests when attempts were made to remove the 'Delaney Out' flag.

During this incident, Mr O'Brien was escorted from the stadium.

It is understood Mr O'Brien at no stage became aggressive, and that the protest itself was only ever intended to be peaceful.

It is also understood Mr O'Brien was not charged or arrested with any offence and was simply asked to leave after being removed from the stadium.

Mr O'Brien told The Irish Sun: “There was one fan removed and unfortunately that was me. I didn’t even have the banner.

"They told me I was removed on the grounds that I was impeding the gardaí from trying to remove the banner — that is the reason I was given."

 “This is a really bad look for the FAI if ­people are seen not to be allowed conduct peaceful protests. What do they expect?

“At the most recent international match against Georgia, tennis balls were thrown on the pitch and that was condemned by the FAI."

The match with St Pats finished 1-1.