MCD Hit Back At Gardaí Over 'Ineffectual Policing'

Concert promoters MCD launched a blistering attack on gardai last night, accusing them of ineffective policing of the controversial Swedish House Mafia gig in July.

MCD accused the force of taking a "relaxed" approach to policing outside the Phoenix Park venue in Dublin and of not having an adequate strategy in place to deal with those refused entry.

The July 7 gig was marred by violence and anti-social behaviour, while two people later died as a result of suspected drug overdoses.

Last night, MCD Productions managing director Denis Desmond repeated his call for a public inquiry.

"MCD hereby repeat their request that the garda report be immediately released and a public inquiry be set up to investigate the events surrounding the Phoenix Park concert."

Gardai finalised its review of the concert last month and laid the blame with MCD, stating they had not taken proper security measures.

But the promoter hit back at gardai, accusing the force of completing its review without prior notice given to MCD despite an agreement to meet at the end of August to review progress.

(H)