PSNI officer taken to hospital as CSKA Sofia Ultras attack Derry fans
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.
Young families were forced onto the Brandywell pitch shortly into the second half of the game when Ellis Chapman opened the scoring for Derry City as CSKA Ultras ripped up seats and rushed towards Derry supporters.
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.
"PSNI 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/