Derry City warned of partial stadium closure if trouble at Shamrock Rovers clash is repeated

For some time now there has been an issue with away fans in Derry being targeted by local youths outside the ground with numerous examples of away supporters being hit with bottles and objects aimed at them from outside the stadium walls, with no involvement of Derry City fans. The allocation of tickets for away fans had already been cut this season due to logistical issues at the stadium.

Security staff brought Rovers supporters onto the field to ensure their safety before they exited the ground last week but the issue has caused concern at FAI level and the association today said that a partial stadium ban was in place, but suspended, unless there is another incident in their home game. City were also fined for an incident where a flare landed on the pitch and caused some damage to the artificial surface.

“Following incidents at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixture between Derry City FC and Shamrock Rovers FC on Friday, 19 April 2024, an Independent Disciplinary Committee has imposed a suspended partial stadium closure at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium," the FAI said today.

“The Independent Disciplinary Committee determined that if the same or similar offence occurs at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in the course of the next home SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixture, the sanction will become effective.

“The Independent Disciplinary Committee has also issued two fines relating to the above mentioned incident and the incident involving a pyrotechnic on the field of play. The League of Ireland and FAI are committed to providing a safe environment for players, officials, staff and spectators at all our fixtures.”

Last week Rovers boss Stephen Bradley stated his concern for Hoops fans. “Derry need to look at that," he told the Irish Independent.

"I understand the Derry people inside the ground, the fans inside, were asking the people to stop, but Derry as a club need to look at what happened. There were missiles coming over, steel bars, bottles. Derry is a good club, we all know that. There are so many good people here.

“But we have to think of away fans. They cannot stand there and have missiles coming over the wall at them. They really need to look at that. If it means having to section off a bit of their own stand to keep them safe, then that's what they need.

“Thankfully I don't think anyone was hurt. But that cannot happen again for any set of fans coming up here. That can't be acceptable."