​Police were deployed into the stands at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium after disorder erupted during the Europa League clash between Derry City and CSKA Sofia on Thursday. Before the kickoff, clashes between rival supporters on Bishop Street in Londonderry led to injuries, with a PSNI officer requiring hospital treatment. During the second half, some fans, including parents with children, fled onto the pitch as trouble flared again.
Colum Eastwood, the MP for the area, called the incident disgraceful and said his party, the SDLP, would demand answers from the police about how it was managed. The match was halted for 14 minutes and officers entered the stadium at the request of Derry City Football Club and in the interests of public safety. PSNI Chief Inspector Graeme Craig stated that police helped restore calm, allowing the game to proceed to its conclusion. He added that, regrettably, families and young children had sought refuge on the pitch because of the unacceptable and reckless behavior of a small number of individuals. A heavy police presence remained in the area for the rest of the night.
Tiernan Lynch, Derry City’s manager, described his emotions as mixed after the team lost 2-1. While proud of his players’ performance, he lamented the occasions that tainted the evening, noting bottles being thrown and scenes that he feared could have become extremely dangerous. Lynch’s concerns were amplified when his own son was among the spectators, adding to his worry as he attempted to manage events from the touchline. “My own wee man was in the crowd… I know how others felt; I didn’t know where he was,” he said.
Derry City Football Club issued a statement condemning the violence witnessed at tonight’s match, insisting it unequivocally condemns the behavior. The club said it was working closely with UEFA, the PSNI, CSKA Sofia, and its security partners to establish the full facts surrounding the incidents. SDLP councillor and Derry FC supporter John Boyle, who was at the match, described the events as a “very distressing thing to see” and told BBC’s Good Morning Ulster that he could not understand how anyone could attend a football match and behave in such a way. He added that the situation was highly fluid and, though ultimately brought under control, it was a troubling night at the Brandywell.
The trouble overshadowed the CSKA Sofia victory as security services and club officials continue their investigations into the incidents and work to ensure safer occasions for supporters in future.