An Irish soccer fan, traumatised by the Lansdowne Road riots at the 1995 match with England, still cannot attend internationals, a court was told yesterday.
Mr Mark Dunne, for David Alcock (17), of Aspen Road, Kinsealy Court, Swords, Co Dublin, told the Dublin Circuit Civil Court his client was so terrified of crowds he found it difficult to attend even a disco.
"He and his father were ardent Irish supporters," he told Judge Elizabeth Dunne. "They attended all of Ireland's home internationals together but haven't been to one since." He said Mr Alcock was severely traumatised by the rioting of English fans following Ireland's goal on February 15th, 1995.
He asked that because of the significance of his injuries, his claim be transferred to the High Court. "At one stage during the rioting, he lost contact with his father and has suffered post-traumatic stress since," Mr Dunne said. "He feels he will never be able to attend a match again."
Before his experience, he had been doing very well at school. His ability to concentrate and to apply himself to his studies had dropped dramatically with ensuing poorer exam results.
He said the adverse effects on his education could have a lasting and significant influence on what career he could eventually follow.
Mr Hugh Mohan, counsel for the Football Association of Ireland, said that at best the medical reports revealed he had suffered a degree of recurring difficulties for 10 days after the match.
Refusing to refer the claim to the unlimited jurisdiction of the High Court, Judge Dunne said a case had not been made to show that compensation would exceed the £30,000 Circuit Court jurisdiction.