Children flee onto pitch amid disorder at football stadiumImage source, Stephen McCarthy/Getty ImagesImage caption, Derry City fans, including young children, fled onto the pitch when the disorder broke outByEmmet McElhatton and Gerry Bradley, BBC News NIPublished16 July 2026Updated 17 minutes agoFootball fans, including young children, fled onto the pitch when trouble flared between rival supporters in the stands during a Europa League match in Londonderry on Thursday night.During the second half of the fixture, the referee stopped the game at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, and police were deployed.Local politicians have described the scenes as “disgraceful” and “unacceptable”. A senior police officer blamed the “unacceptable and reckless behaviour of a small number of individuals”.European football’s governing body, Uefa, reported it was investigating both clubs following the trouble and would decide on the matter next week. Before the clash between Derry City and Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia, trouble flared between rival supporters in Bishop Street, about 15 minutes’ walk from the stadium. A police officer was injured.Later, during the game, some fans – including parents with children – fled onto the pitch when further trouble happened.
Police entered the stadium “at the request of Derry City Football Club and in the interests of public safety” and they maintained a heavy police presence in the area for the remainder of the night.
