Violence inside and outside Brandywell leaves Derry fans 'shocked and shaken'
Derry fans have described being left stunned and shaken after being violent attacks in the stands during Derry City FC’s home leg match of the European tie with CSKA Sofia and elsewhere outside the stadium.
Many fans, including families with young children and teenagers, had to leave the stadium, while a heavy police presence has been maintained in the surrounding areas this evening.
A group of visiting fans of the Bulgarian side were reported to have ripped up chairs and thrown them at Derry fans along with other missiles while trying to rip down barriers. There were also reports of banned salutes.
The situation deteriorated so badly that a number of families with young children had to go onto the pitch to avoid being targeted and play was suspended for almost 20 minutes.
Outside the stadium violent attacks were also reported in the Bishop Street area where Sofia fans and a large police contingent reportedly passed by establishments known to be Derry City fan hubs.
Back in the stadium, the trouble began when Derry took the lead in the second half with a goal from Ellis Chapman. Derry City fans, some with young children, were witnessed moving out of the stands and walking along the side of the pitch and onto the pitch as the situation spun out of control.
The match was allowed to resume after the pause, with Sofia later equalising and getting a second goal to win the game.
One Derry City season ticket holder who was in Block J next to the visiting fans area, said the violence was like nothing she’d ever seen before during any previous disturbances.
“I was actually shaken. Everybody had to run, there was a bit of a stampede and I lost my son’s grip for a minute.
"They started throwing the bottles once Derry scored, and once security went in the rest of them came together. Everybody had to leave and just run for it.
"They were doing these salutes and then it started to get really bad and they were breaking the chairs and throwing them. They broke down the barrier, that’s when we all had to run.
"There was children crying, families had to leave. There was older men as well trying to get out People were afraid.”
A large police presence including riot police were witnessed across the area this evening.
Sinn Fein Councillor for the Brandywell area Aisling Hutton posted: “Distressing scenes tonight in the Brandywell and Bishop Street area.
"We have been in touch with the Duty Inspector of the PSNI. Questions need answered and lessons need to be learnt from tonight’s behaviour."
The police press office was closed this evening.