Football fans diverted to avoid incident

Police in Derry have praised soccer fans after an historic match between two rival sides passed off peacefully last night.

This was the first competitive match between Derry City and Linfield FC in 37-years at the Brandywell ground in the Bogside area of the City.

Last year, the Linfield team bus was attacked by stone throwers following a friendly clash between the two sides, this caused tensions to run high as the buses carrying Linfield supporters left the ground.

As soon as last nights match ended, stewards mounted a diversion by sending two empty buses out of the main exit, while the buses containing the fans were taken out by another exit.

A substantial police presence remained in the city as the stadium emptied, including a police helicopter, which hovered above the city. Some of the buses were diverted through County Donegal, after youths were seen gathering near the ground.

The detour caused outrage among Linfield supporters, however the PSNI said that it was a precautionary measure, taken to avoid incident.

Chief Superintendent Richard Russell said: "Overall this evening was a success. It was unfortunate that buses carrying visiting supporters had to be diverted as they left the ground.

"However the safety of all those attending tonight's match was our paramount concern."

The final score of the Setanta Cup match was Linfield 0 - Derry City 0.

(EF/SP)