Skip to content

PSNI intervene amid disorder at Derry City's Brandywell Stadium

Emmet McElhatton
BBC Fans in an L-shaped stand face off. Most wear red and white. Some fans are on the pitch. BBC
Police said families and young children had to seek refuge on the pitch

Police were deployed into the stands at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium after disorder broke out during a match between Derry City and CSKA Sofia on Thursday.

Before the Europa League clash between the home team and Bulgarian side got underway, disorder had broken out between rival supporters in Bishop Street in Londonderry which led to a PSNI officer being injured and taken to hospital.

During the second half of the fixture, some fans - including parents with children - fled onto the pitch when further trouble occurred.

Mark H Durkan, assembly member for Foyle, said the scenes were "absolutely disgraceful".

The referee stopped the game for 14 minutes and police entered the stadium "at the request of Derry City Football Club and in the interests of public safety".

PSNI Ch Insp Graeme Craig said police helped "restore calm, meaning that the match could continue to its conclusion".

"Regrettably, this evening we have witnessed families and young children seeking refuge on the pitch because of the unacceptable and reckless behaviour of a small number of individuals, he added.

Police have maintained a heavy police presence in the area for the remainder of the night.

'My wee man was in the crowd'

Tiernan Lynch, Derry City manager, said he had "completely mixed emotions" about the game, which his team lost by a scoreline of two goals to one.

Though proud of his team's performance, the occasion was tainted "bottles being thrown" and scenes that Lynch feared could "get extremely nasty".

Lynch's own son was in the stand, which caused him significant concern as he attempted to keep control on the touchline.

"My own wee man was in the crowd... I know how [others] felt; I didn't know where he was," he added.

In a statement, Derry City Football Club said it "unequivocally condemns the violence witnessed at tonight's match".

"The club is working closely with UEFA, the PSNI, CSKA Sofia and our security partners to establish the full facts surrounding the incidents," it added.

PA Media A man stares into the camera. He has balding dark hair and stubble on his face. He is wearing a dark suit jacket and open collared white shirt. The background is green and blurred.PA Media
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said the scenes witnessed at the match were "disgraceful"

Durkan commended "the brave stewards" but said "serious questions will be asked about security at the stadium".

He predicted "there will also likely be serious repercussions for Derry City".

He said it "deflects from the heroic efforts of our players on the pitch".