The Europa League qualifying match between Derry City and CSKA Sofia was suspended after violent scenes in the crowd at Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. The tie was halted for several minutes as visiting CSKA fans were accused of trying to break into the home section, forcing home fans to rush onto the pitch to escape the charging away supporters. The referee ordered both teams off the pitch and into the dressing rooms to restore calm.
Match Events and Suspension
The incident occurred shortly after Ellis Chapman equalised for Derry City, making the aggregate score 3-3 just after half-time. When play resumed, CSKA Sofia took the lead again through Ioannis Pittas. Deep into added time, Derry defender Barry Cotter turned the ball into his own goal in the 108th minute, securing CSKA's place in the next round. Tiernan Lynch's side will now enter the Conference League, facing Croatian outfit Rijeka in the second qualifying round.
Club and Fan Reactions
Following the match, Derry City released a statement: "Derry City Football Club unequivocally condemns the violence witnessed at tonight's match. The club is working closely with UEFA, the PSNI, CSKA Sofia and our security partners to establish the full facts surrounding the incidents. In the interests of ensuring a thorough investigation, Derry City Football Club will make no further comment until this process has been concluded."
Numerous users took to social media to comment. One wrote: "Game stopped as CSKA fans tried to enter home end, players taken off pitch, Derry lead 1-0 3-3 in agg." Another posted: "Just had to evacuate stand in Brandywell, CSKA fans broke through security, ton of kids in our stand." A third added: "CSKA fans tried storming the stand, all the Derry fans there gone on the pitch for safety." One fan claimed: "CSKA fans giving their team a much needed break... disgraceful scenes there."
