Derry representatives slam ‘disgraceful’ Brandywell disorder and demand answers from PSNI

DERRY CITY FOOTBALL Club requested the PSNI to intervene and 'restore calm' as trouble broke out when CSKA Sofia supporters attacked the home support during the Europa League qualifier at Brandywell Stadium.

It was the first time since Derry's entry into the League of Ireland in 1985 that the police entered the Lone Moor Road venue. They positioned themselves behind the CSKA supporters in the Southend Park stand dressed in riot gear but weren't deployed as the game resumed after a 15 minutes delay.

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.

MP for Foyle Eastwood called the incident disgraceful and demanded answers from the PSNI.

MP Eastwood said: “Disgraceful scenes in the Brandywell tonight. Some decisions made to get away fans in and out of the ground make little sense. We will demand answers from the PSNI on how this was deemed an appropriate route.”

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said: “Absolutely disgraceful scenes at the Brandywell tonight as a horde of hooligan CSKA 'supporters' wreaked havoc - attacking terrified women and children too.

“Then we had a few homegrown heroes of our own invading the pitch to attack the opposition goalkeeper.

“Fair play to the brave stewards who held the line tonight but serious questions will be asked about security at the stadium.

“There will also likely be serious repercussions for Derry City.

“Sadly, this also deflects from the heroic efforts of our players on the pitch who completely outplayed CSKA Sofia and were very unlucky to go out.”

Commenting on videos shared from the incident on social media, Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane Catherine McDaid said: “I’ve been sent multiple videos of away fans being escorted past well known Derry city supporters bars, being allowed to shout abuse at the Derry fans and shout racist abuse.

“This is absolutely disgraceful that the PSNI has facilitated such behaviour and questions need to be asked about how this decision was taken.

“If there is bother after the match, this will undoubtedly have been instigated and/or added to it.

“Derry fans, including loads of kids, were full of excitement and anticipation for this match, and before it even started, people were hiding in shops and children were crying because they were afraid! Just not good enough.”

SDLP Councillor Brian Tierney described the scenes as ‘absolutely disgusting,’ he said: “The disgraceful scenes in the away section of the Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium tonight shows that their fans came here with no intention of enjoying the game. Men, women and children forced onto the pitch to get to safety.

“Absolutely disgusting, but watching the Derry fans sing their way through it was a touch of class.”

Sinn Féin Colr. Aisling Hutton said: “Questions have been asked about police decision making. We will ensure that we get answers.

"Lessons must be learnt from this. I was appalled at the videos circulating last night. People, including young children, were put at serous risk. It is unacceptable. People need held to account.

"The away fans displayed behaviour that was hateful, disgusting and down right disrespectful. Shame on them. They showed themselves, their club and their country up!

"Derry is a peaceful, thriving community and we will not allow this to happen again.”

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.

A police officer was taken to the hospital after sustaining injuries when CSKA fans were escorted through Bishop Street where Derry City fans were gathered outside the Oak Bar prior to kick-off.

A PSNI spokesperson said that a significant public safety operation was in place on Thursday in Derry ahead of the Derry City v CSKA Sofia UEFA Europa League fixture at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Chief Inspector Graeme Craig said: "Disorder initially broke out between rival football supporters in the Bishop Street area prior to kick-off at around 6.45pm and, unfortunately, one of our officers was injured and required hospital treatment.

"During the second half of the fixture further disorder occurred between rival fans within the stadium, causing the match to be paused for approximately 14 minutes. At the request of Derry City Football Club, and in the interests of public safety, police officers were deployed inside the stadium to manage the situation and restore calm, meaning that the match could continue to its conclusion.

Chief Inspector Craig continued: “It is disappointing that an important and high-profile European sporting fixture should be disrupted in such a manner. I’m sure all right-thinking football supporters will join me in condemning such behaviour. Sport is such an integral part of our community and we have seen a vibrant and excited mood in the city throughout the day. 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.

"We would advise members of the public that there will be a continued police presence in the area tonight.

"We have also established a Public Order Enquiry Team to investigate tonight’s disturbances and we will be reviewing all available footage to identify and arrest those individuals involved.

"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information can contact police using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals, quoting reference 1502 of 16/07/26, or call us on 101.”

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/