Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley condemns 'idiot' fan who struck Waterford player with firework

Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley has branded the Hoops fan who set off a firework that halted the league game with Waterford at the RSC an 'idiot.'

Referee Rob Hennessey called a halt to the game after 16 minutes, moments after John Martin had given the home side the lead, as pyrotechnics rained down on the pitch.

At least one Waterford player was struck by the falling debris and the referee took the teams off the pitch for 16 minutes before play was resumed.

Former Ipswich Town and Wimbledon midfielder Anthony Wordsworth was hit twice in succession by falling explosives and was escorted off the field by medics.

“It is not right obviously," said a clearly frustrated Hoops boss Bradley as he spoke to Extratime.com reporter Macdara Ferris following the full-time whistle.

“It is unacceptable and should never happen in a football ground," the Jobstown native added.

"Of all of our fans tonight, the hundreds of fans, it is one idiot that has caused all the commotion and put people in danger.

"The rest of the fans had nothing to do with it. You could see that quite clearly."

The unpleasantness continued later in the game as Shamrock Rovers players were struck with objects from the stands before and after half time.

Rovers player Dylan Watts was hit with an object as the teams emerged for the second half, but it didn't affect his performance as he set up three second-half goals in a 3-1 win.

The champions went in 1-0 down at the break and only regained their composure in the final quarter as Danny Mandroiu netted twice, either side of a Sean Hoare header.

“Dylan got hit with an object from the crowd after half time and it probably woke him up a bit and in the second half he was very good," said a typically understated Bradley.