In light of the events that transpired at The Showgrounds on Saturday, 25th April 2026, Coleraine FC has officially addressed the situation with a formal apology, following a meeting between club officials and Mr Maurice Bradley.
The incident, which has drawn considerable attention, was attributed to a breakdown in communication regarding safety protocols, an oversight that the club acknowledges with regret.
Dale Pryde-MacDonald, the Chief Executive Officer of Coleraine FC, expressed deep remorse for the confusion that arose from unclear information provided to the safety team. He said that this experience serves as a significant learning opportunity for all parties involved. “We recognise the distress this has caused,” he stated, affirming the club’s commitment to enhancing its procedures moving forward. Pryde-MacDonald highlighted the importance of building stronger relationships within the community, noting that everyone at Coleraine FC has the club’s best interests at heart.
As the club gears up for an important cup final this weekend, Pryde-MacDonald hopes that the focus can shift to supporting the team in their quest for a seventh Irish Cup title. “We sincerely hope that all attention can now be directed towards the match at Windsor Park, where we encourage all supporters to rally behind the team,” he added.
In a timely follow-up, Maurice Bradley issued a statement to the press shortly after the meeting. He reflected on the discussions held, describing them as frank and honest. Bradley acknowledged the club’s apology and expressed his acceptance of it, reinforcing his commitment to the club’s interests. He also urged that the recommendations discussed be implemented during the close season to foster better relationships within the club and its supporters.
In a gesture of goodwill, Bradley extended his sincere apologies to Chris Gray, a volunteer who was inadvertently caught in the controversy. “Goosey,” as he is affectionately known, was simply following instructions during the incident. Bradley emphasised the invaluable contributions of volunteers like Gray to the club.
With the matter now resolved, Bradley concluded, “It was unfortunate, but what has happened is in the past, and there it will remain.” The resolution of this situation marks a step forward for Coleraine FC as it looks to unite its supporters ahead of a pivotal match.