Bray Wanderers condemn a ‘small group of fans’ who have directed their anger at manager Pat Devlin at Wexford

Bray Wanderers have given their full support to Pat Devlin in a club statement in response to angry scenes following Monday’s game against Wexford.

Social media footage showed veteran manager Devlin waving down a group of supporters who had criticized him during the game.

A fan climbed over the seats to approach Devlin, who was being dragged away. Footage suggested an object was thrown in his direction.

Supporter discontent at Bray has grown as the club have taken 12 points from the first 13 games of the season.

However, there was also some uneasiness in the fanbase surrounding the winter merger with Cabinteely, which saw Devlin return to the club as boss.

The wording of the official statement announcing the clubs’ merger confirmed that Cabinteely had acquired controlling interest in Bray.

Cabinet leader Tony Richardson became chairman of the combined club, but it was decided to use the Bray Wanderers name.

However, media circulars are still being circulated from a Cabinteely FC account, highlighting the somewhat idiosyncratic arrangement.

Bray’s statement today attributes the Wexford incident to a recent uptick in anti-social behavior at their games and they say they will be speaking to Gardaí about the matter.

The club are believed to have had issues with the nature of certain chants addressed to Devlin during the draw at Wexford.

The full statement read: “Bray Wanderers FC would like to express their disappointment at the behavior of a small group of supporters at our game at Wexford on Monday.

“The Club would like to announce that it has identified the main perpetrators and will take action together with the Gardai to eliminate this behavior.

“We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment where every Bray Wanderers fan can enjoy the game and support the team.

“The club fully supports Pat Devlin, his management team and players and recognizes the great progress that has been made in all areas of the club over the past few months, including academy, public relations, girls’/women’s football integration and significant improvements towards Carlisle Grounds playing surface.

“We recognize that the results of the 2022 season have been frustrating, but we urge fans to continue to get behind the team as we look to push our way to the play-off spots in the second half of the season.

“We are committed to developing our fan base with a particular focus on making families feel welcome and safe.

“We are appointing a fan liaison officer and plan to launch a membership program through which game tickets will be purchased.

“Our door is always open for dialogue with fans who want to have their say. However, this must be done in an adult way, with mutual respect, openness and above all in the interest of the club.

“The club greatly appreciates the continued support from fans and sponsors and would like to reassure fans that we work tirelessly to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable matchday experience, and that includes addressing any conduct that may harm public safety and the community Personnel safety at risk. players, management and volunteers.”

Bray has disabled replies to her social media posts of the statement.