17/07/2026
Police Deployed Inside Brandywell Stadium After Disorder Halts Match
A significant policing operation was mounted on Thursday 16 July in L'Derry ahead of the Derry City v CSKA Sofia UEFA Europa League fixture at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Chief Inspector Graeme Craig said: "Disorder initially broke out between rival football supporters in the Bishop Street area prior to kick-off at around 6.45pm and, unfortunately, one of our officers was injured and required hospital treatment.
"During the second half of the fixture further disorder occurred between rival fans within the stadium, causing the match to be paused for approximately 14 minutes. At the request of Derry City Football Club, and in the interests of public safety, police officers were deployed inside the stadium to manage the situation and restore calm, meaning that the match could continue to its conclusion.
"It is disappointing that an important and high-profile European sporting fixture should be disrupted in such a manner. I'm sure all right-thinking football supporters will join me in condemning such behaviour. Sport is such an integral part of our community and we have seen a vibrant and excited mood in the city throughout the day. Regrettably, this evening we have witnessed families and young children seeking refuge on the pitch because of the unacceptable and reckless behaviour of a small number of individuals.
"We would advise members of the public that there will be a continued police presence in the area tonight.
"We have also established a Public Order Enquiry Team to investigate tonight’s disturbances and we will be reviewing all available footage to identify and arrest those individuals involved."
Chief Inspector Graeme Craig said: "Disorder initially broke out between rival football supporters in the Bishop Street area prior to kick-off at around 6.45pm and, unfortunately, one of our officers was injured and required hospital treatment.
"It is disappointing that an important and high-profile European sporting fixture should be disrupted in such a manner. I'm sure all right-thinking football supporters will join me in condemning such behaviour. Sport is such an integral part of our community and we have seen a vibrant and excited mood in the city throughout the day. Regrettably, this evening we have witnessed families and young children seeking refuge on the pitch because of the unacceptable and reckless behaviour of a small number of individuals.
"We would advise members of the public that there will be a continued police presence in the area tonight.
"We have also established a Public Order Enquiry Team to investigate tonight’s disturbances and we will be reviewing all available footage to identify and arrest those individuals involved."
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Derry City Stadium Announced For Redevelopment
Derry City Football Club's Brandywell Stadium is to be redeveloped, it has been confirmed. The project will involve the demolition of the Glentoran stand and the construction of a new stand with changing and office space. Work on a new pitch and a dog track is to begin later in the year.
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13 March 2023
Six Arrested For Public Order Offences At Windsor Park
Six people were arrested for public order-related offences during a Linfield and Coleraine football match in Belfast. Police have said that while the match at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park passed off largely peacefully, there were a small number of individuals who ignored police advice and appeals for common sense before the game.
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23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
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GAA fan dies in Co Fermanagh tragedy
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Another very warm day with variable cloud and some sunshine. Mostly dry morning but with a few sharp showers developing in the afternoon with a chance of hail and thunder. Maximum temperature 25 °C.Tonight:Showers fade out in the evening to leave some clear spells before cloud and further showery rain spreads east, clearing in the early hours to allow some clear spells. Minimum temperature 14 °C.