MCD chief condemns ‘anti-social’ elements for Phoenix Park barbarism

MCD Managing Director Denis Desmond has condemned the actions of an element of those who attended the ill-fated Swedish House Mafia gig at the Phoenix Park on Saturday.

The promoter was responding after the fall-out from the show showed that at least one concert-goer had died from a suspected drugs overdose, nine people were stabbed at the venue and six were robbed at knifepoint outside the Phoenix Park.

Desmond's statement in full reads:

“Obviously we are very disappointed that an individual or very small number of individuals engaged in anti-social behaviour, attempting to spoil the enjoyment of others. Such behaviour is certainly not reflective of the vast majority of the 45,000 fans who were extremely well behaved and should be congratulated. Unfortunately, anti-social behaviour has become more and more part of daily society with no town or village across the country escaping such conduct.

“As event promoters we work extremely closely with An Gardai Siochana and fully support their tactical operations in combating anti-social behaviour.

“Public safety is always our number one priority and we actively engage in detailed planning in advance to ensure this. Ticket holders entering the site were subject to a search permissible by law. Every precaution as far as possible was taken to ensure the safety and security of the audience at all times. All CCTV footage captured from the area has been supplied to the Gardai.

“Despite our best efforts (with Security and Gardai personnel levels well in excess of the required numbers for a licensed event of this size) there is only so much one can do to combat anti-social behaviour.

“An Gardai Siochana have already made an arrest and we are continuing to fully co-operate with them therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage of their investigation however in the meantime we would like to wish those affected a full and speedy recovery.”

Link: The Swedish House Mafia gig is now looking like the concert from hell