Derry City FC Receives Suspended Partial Stadium Closure from UEFA After Crowd Disturbances

Derry City FC has been handed a suspended partial stadium closure penalty by UEFA following crowd disturbances that occurred during a Europa Conference League match. The independent disciplinary committee of UEFA made the decision after incidents took place both during and after a League of Ireland Premier Division fixture between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers on Friday night.

The trouble began when a pyrotechnic was thrown from outside the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium onto the field during the match. After the final whistle, there were further crowd disturbances outside the stadium. Security staff had to bring Shamrock Rovers supporters onto the pitch to ensure their safety before they could exit the ground, as local youths were targeting the away fans with bottles and objects. Derry City fans were not involved in these incidents.

As a result of the crowd trouble, the FAI has imposed a suspended partial closure of the Brandywell Stadium. If similar offenses occur at Derry City's next home league game against Shelbourne on May 6, the sanction will come into effect. The club was also fined an undisclosed amount by UEFA over the incidents, including damage caused by a flare that landed on the pitch.

Why this matters: The crowd disturbances and subsequent penalties emphasize ongoing issues with fan behavior and safety at football matches. It highlights the need for clubs, governing bodies, and local authorities to work together to prevent violence and ensure a secure environment for all attendees.

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley urged Derry City to take action to address the problem of away fans being targeted, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of visiting supporters. The League of Ireland and FAI reaffirmed their commitment to providing a safe environment for players, officials, staff, and spectators at all their fixtures. Derry City has been warned that they must tackle this issue. "Hopefully, Derry act on it now and make sure it doesn't happen again," Bradley stated.

Key Takeaways

• Derry City FC handed suspended partial stadium closure by UEFA for crowd disturbances.
• Pyrotechnic thrown onto field, away fans targeted with bottles after match.
• Derry City fined by UEFA for damage caused by flare landing on pitch.
• Shamrock Rovers manager urges Derry City to address away fan safety issues.
• Derry City warned to tackle fan behavior problems or face sanctions.