Derry City Europa League match disrupted by crowd trouble

Police reported significant public‑order disturbances before and during Derry City’s UEFA Europa League qualifier against Bulgaria’s CSKA Sofia on 16 July. Disorder broke out between rival supporters on Bishop Street before kick‑off, injuring a PSNI officer who required hospital treatment. Inside the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium further clashes forced hundreds of Derry fans, including women and children, onto the pitch after CSKA supporters threw missiles, delaying the game by about 15 minutes.

The match resumed after police were deployed inside the stadium, but Derry lost 2‑1, ending their campaign with a 5‑3 aggregate defeat. PSNI Chief Inspector Graeme Craig condemned the behaviour, pledged a continued police presence and launched a public‑order enquiry to identify those involved. CSKA Sofia’s coach Christo Yanev and the club’s sporting director praised their team’s character despite the hostile environment.