Please, No Red Cards for Munster Supporters

A Message to all Munster Rugby Supporters from Garrett Fitzgerald, CEO Munster Rugby.

Munster captain Paul O Connell paid our supporters the ultimate tribute when he said “Munster fans pay their money to become part of their team, other fans pay money to be entertained or be part of the event.  There is little doubt that they have humbled us with their fantastic support on many occasions – for me, they are the best fans in the world.”

Time and again the Munster roar has contributed to magnificent Sporting moments, hauling the Team over the try line on many occasions and raising their spirits in that memorable video picture from O Connell St. Limerick when the players looked up, re-set and rolled on to victory in  the Heineken Cup Final of 2006.

Everybody connected with Munster Rugby has delighted in the behaviour of our supporters, their camaraderie, their joy, and the respect in which they are held throughout Europe.

ERC Chairman Jean-Pierre Lux looking forward to the meeting of Europe’s two top teams on May 24th said “The people of Cardiff still talk about the 2006 final between Munster and Biarritz Olympique.  It was a fantastic occasion that lit up the Welsh capital, the fans of both teams were magnificent in their behaviour and support.”

The Munster bandwagon rolls on.  The number of supporters continue to grow and all are more than welcome.  As the Team renews itself each season it is important to highlight our traditions, to remember that as part of a Team self discipline is all important and that there is no room for complacency.  An indiscretion at the wrong time can bring a disastrous red or yellow card and let the whole team down. Supporters as well as the Team need to keep in mind that we are as strong as our weakest link and have to work to make sure that the whole team is on-side.

As Paul O Connell leads us to Cardiff once again we look forward to the Munster Team and Supporters upholding our great traditions of sportsmanship and respect for all.  As Paul said “we are not just there to be entertained, we are part of the Team” and let us make sure that the Team performance and discipline is not affected by a stray Red Card for any Munster Supporter.