Derry City FC to introduce further 'crowd control' after partial stadium closure warning following 'public disorder'

Derry City Football Club has said it is to introduce further "crowd control measures" after receiving a formal warning that part of the stadium could be closed if "public disorder" at a recent home game is repeated.

The PSNI said there was public disorder in the Lone Moor Road area after Derry City's match against Shamrock Rovers on Friday night, including attacks on police.

The League of Ireland's Independent Disciplinary Committee has now imposed a "suspended partial stadium closure at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium" following the events at the Rovers match.

Read more: 'Sad' that PSNI presence at the Brandywell deemed necessary after 'public disorder', says MLA

Read more: PSNI attacked during "public disorder" after football match

The committee warned, in a statement, 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".

In a statement, Derry City said it accepts the ruling, condemned the scenes on Friday, and promised enhanced crowd control measures.

A club spokesperson said: "Derry City Football Club accepts the ruling of the Independent Disciplinary Committee in relation to the events during and after the Shamrock Rovers game on 19th April 2024.

"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."

The club statement continued: "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."

The Derry City FC spokesperson added: "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.

"The club is exploring all alternatives, but it is likely that a number of season ticket holders in Block K and L will need to be relocated to alternative locations to facilitate this.

"When final decisions have been made, the club will be in contact with impacted season ticket holders."

Earlier this week, Derry City season ticket holder and SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan told Belfast Live: "The Brandywell has always prided itself on being the only ground on these islands, if I'm not mistaken, that didn't have or require any sort of police presence around it on match days."

He added: "You know, it's sad that it's come to a situation where the police presence is required. That's the fault of those who have, I suppose, caused bother at recent home games."

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