League of Ireland respond to pyrotechnical incident at Brandywell Stadium

A general view of Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

League of Ireland representatives have responded to the incident at The Brandywell Stadium last Friday that saw flares being thrown onto the pitch while Derry took on Shamrock Rovers in the Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division.

Rovers defeated the hosts 3-1 scoring three goals in 13 minutes, two from Aaron Greene, the other from Richie Towell. However, it was a disastrous night for Derry in more ways than one as the match was marred by crowd disturbances set off by a flare which was thrown over the stadium wall onto the pitch. 

In more wild scenes, a child was seen running onto the pitch to pick up the flare and remove it from the pitch. The away fans were forced to gather in the centre circle after the game had finished and didn't move until it was safe to leave the stadium.

The League of Ireland released a statement on Wednsesday saying: "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. 

"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."

A Derry City statement, read: "The club condemns the scenes in and around the ground on Friday night and has cooperated fully with the Disciplinary Control Unit of the FAI.

"Since the events of last Friday, representatives of the club have met with several statutory agencies to discuss enhanced crowd control measures.

"In addition to the partial suspended stadium ban, the club has also been fined for the use of pyrotechnics in the ground. The club has made repeated requests in the past for supporters to cease the use of pyrotechnics. This behaviour continues to have a direct financial impact to the club as well a health and safety risk to all spectators.

"Additional controls were in place for the game against St Pats and further measures are to be introduced prior to the next home game.

"As a result of continued anti-social behaviour, the club need to take additional measures to ensure that all supporters attending games in the Ryan McBride stadium can enjoy a safe and enjoyable match night experience.

"This is highly unfortunate and not a move the club takes lightly. It has however been forced on the club due to those recent events.

"The club is reviewing photographic and video evidence to seek to identify any supporters involved in this behaviour."