Derry City consider compensating season ticket holders for home games fallen victim to COVID-19 crisis

The FAI suspended games on March 13th and has targetted the weekend beginning June 19th for league matches to recommence with a shortened season to run until December 11th. The Premier Division will be reduced to 27 games from 36 and the new schedule will require the cancellation of the final round of fixtures.

At present it's uncertain how many home games will be lost for Derry City but the club has issued a statement thanking season ticket holders and offering those who wish to be refunded, vouchers to be redeemed in the club's shop or cash refunds determined by the number of cancelled home games.

The Board of Directors also thanked chairman, Mr Philip O'Doherty for his 'enormous financial support' and all those making financial contributions to help with the running of the club in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The club is also urging fans to purchase the new Derry City home shirt which is now available to supporters in an effort to help with the running costs.

The statement read: "The Board would like to wish both staff and supporters well in the coming weeks and we look forward to the return of football to the Brandywell.

"The Derry City Board has been briefed by its management team that the playing staff of the club are all fit and well. There is regular contact between the management and players and a personalised fitness programme has been supplied to individuals.

"We are all conscious that it is important to continue to follow guidelines as outlined by the health authorities. It is hoped that football will kick off again by the middle of June and, if that were to be the case, it will be a great boost to both the players and the fans.

"Obviously it is not just the domestic league that has been affected by the pandemic; European football has also been interrupted. Thankfully, Derry City will be in the hat for the Europa League qualifiers and the draw for that is scheduled to take place in the middle of June. That gives the players and the fans much to look forward to.

"The Board is also pleased that the new home shirt is now available to supporters. Purchasing the new jersey is a way of supporting the club, especially in this unique season. It is available to buy online and is on sale as well in Harkin’s shop in the Brandywell. Other club merchandise is also available from these outlets.

"The Board would also like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank Chairman, Philip O'Doherty, for his enormous financial support to the club. That support has always been important but because there is presently no income to the club while wages and expenses continue as normal, that support has been essential.

"Appreciation was also expressed for the continuing efforts of those who organise the monthly draw and club lotto. Both are important contributions to the finances of the club and more especially in present circumstances.

"We would also like to highlight he continuing support and loyalty of the club’s sponsors.

"The FAI has not yet decided if and how the number of matches will be truncated once the season has been relaunched. Those decisions will be subject to guidance issued by the Irish Government.

"Clarity on how many, if any, home games that will not take place will not become clear until the end of the season. The Board decided that if consideration had to be given to compensating season ticket holders, it would be under the following guidelines and preferences.

A) acknowledging and thanking supporters who see their season ticket as an ongoing support to the Club.

B) Issuing of vouchers which can be redeemed in the club’s shop.

C) Cash refunds determined by the number of cancelled home games.

"The Board would like to wish both staff and supporters well in the coming weeks and we look forward to the return of football to the Brandywell."