Police moved into the stands at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Thursday after disorder erupted during Derry City’s Europa League fixture against CSKA Sofia.
Trouble initially flared on Bishop Street in Derry before kick-off, leaving a PSNI officer injured and requiring hospital treatment. The situation escalated during the second half when spectators, including families with children, sought safety on the pitch.
MP Colum Eastwood condemned the scenes as “disgraceful” and confirmed the SDLP would demand a full account from police regarding the operational response. The referee suspended play for 14 minutes while officers entered the ground at the club’s request and in the interest of public safety.
PSNI Chief Inspector Graeme Craig stated that officers helped “restore calm, meaning that the match could continue to its conclusion.” He added: “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.” A significant police presence remained in the area for the rest of the night.
‘My wee man was in the crowd’
Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch described “completely mixed emotions” following his side’s 2-1 defeat. While proud of the team’s performance, he said the occasion was marred by bottles being thrown and fears the situation could “get extremely nasty.” Lynch’s own son was in the stands, adding personal anxiety to his professional duties.
“My own wee man was in the crowd… I know how [others] felt; I didn’t know where he was,” he said.
In a statement, Derry City Football Club “unequivocally condemns the violence witnessed at tonight’s match.” The club confirmed it is working closely with UEFA, the PSNI, CSKA Sofia, and security partners to establish the full facts.
SDLP councillor John Boyle says he’s never seen anything like that in the Brandywell football ground [BBC]
SDLP councillor and Derry FC supporter John Boyle, who attended the match, described the events as a “very distressing thing to see.”
“I can’t get into the mindset of anyone who would attend a football match and behave in that particular fashion,” he told Good Morning Ulster. “I’ve never seen anything like that in the Brandywell football ground.”
He noted the situation was “very fluid” but was “brought under control quite quickly.”
