Derry accept Uefa sanction after crowd trouble

Derry City said CSKA Sofia apologised to the club for damage caused to the Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium by its supporters. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Derry City have accepted a suspended partial stadium ban and fine of €20,000 for last week’s crowd trouble during the Uefa Europa League tie at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.

Their opponents CSKA Sofia have been hit with harder sanctions, having been found guilty of racist and discriminatory behaviour. They’ll have no fans at the next two away European fixtures and been fined €35,000.

“The partial closure of the North Stand is suspended for a probationary period of two years,” said Derry in a statement released simultaneously with Uefa’s announcement.

“While Derry City FC complained to UEFA about the aggressive and intimidatory behaviour of the CSKA Sofia supporters, the club accepted that its own supporters had thrown objects onto the field of play and that one of its supporters had entered the field of play and approached the CSKA goalkeeper, before being returned to the stand by security personnel.

“Derry City FC fully accepts the decision of the UEFA Appeals Body. Derry City FC is committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure that home matches are played in an environment that is safe for players and supporters alike.” 

Derry vowed to identify any troublemakers and dish out appropriate action, including lifetime bans.

They added: “An investigation is underway to identify those supporters of Derry City FC who were involved in these incidents and who ultimately caused the club to incur this fine.

“Once identified, the club will take appropriate steps to sanction these supporters, including the possibility of a lifetime ban from the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

“Separately, CSKA Sofia has apologised to Derry City FC for the damage caused to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium by its supporters. CSKA Sofia has agreed to cover the cost of remediating this damage and Derry City FC is liaising with CSKA Sofia on this issue.”