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СпутникиРНSpaceXРоскосмосNASAThere is not usually a police presence at Derry City home games in the Bogside area, but last night the referee stopped the game for 14 minutes and police entered the stadium "at the request of Derry City Football Club and in the interests of public safety"
12:47, 17 Jul 2026Updated 13:00, 17 Jul 2026
Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch was fearful for the safety of his son as crowd trouble marred last night's Europa League clash at the Brandywell.
The Candystripes were hosting CSKA Sofia in the second leg of the first round qualifier, when disturbances broke out before and during the game. UEFA have now brought charges against both clubs in relation to the matter.
There is not usually a police presence at Derry City home games in the Bogside area, but last night the referee stopped the game for 14 minutes and police entered the stadium "at the request of Derry City Football Club and in the interests of public safety".
CSKA Sofia supporters in the ground stormed against a barrier to attempt to make contact with home fans, which sparked the pitch invasion as mostly young Derry fans fled in fear.
A UEFA investigation is underway, while local politicians have also demanded answers as to how the volatile situation was handled.
Lynch, who felt the delay - which came after Derry had made it 1-0 to level the tie - cost his team momentum in their 5-3 aggregate defeat, was also concerned for his family at the time.
"I thought the swing in it was the break. I thought we had them right there as they ended up getting a breather that we didn't want them to have," Lynch said afterwards. "I think it had a huge impact on the game and I'm not making excuses in any way, shape or form.
"My own wee man was in the crowd today and I wasn't sure where he was sitting so like the fans you were worried about the safety of your own kids.
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"When you saw somebody falling over trying to get out of the way and bottles being thrown it looked like it was going to get extremely nasty, so great credit to the stewards, I thought they handled it brilliantly."
Derry City have been charged by UEFA over the pitch invasion, throwing of objects, crowd disturbances and insufficient protection of the playing area.
The Bulgarians have been charged with throwing objects, damage to the stadium, racist and/or discriminatory behaviour and violating the basic rules of decent conduct.
A UEFA statement read: "As the proceedings could have an impact on supporter attendance at future matches, the UEFA Disciplinary bodies will decide on the matter early next week."
PSNI Chief Inspector Graeme Craig spoke after the game about the 'reckless behaviour' of some supporters.
"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," he said.
SDLP councillor Rory Farrell spoke to BBA Radio Foyle after attending the match with his 10-year-old daughter, Frida.
"They [CSKA fans] were hurling abuse, they were hurling objects, they were baying for blood, they were trying to force themselves through the barriers," said Farrell. "I saw sights that I have never seen."
Derry City Football Club released a statement shortly after the game ended, saying it "unequivocally condemns the violence witnessed at tonight's match".
"The club is working closely with UEFA, the PSNI, CSKA Sofia and our security partners to establish the full facts surrounding the incidents," they stated.
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