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Thecuy.com, Derry – Derry City and CSKA Sofia faced a chaotic Europa League qualifying match at Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Thursday, 16 July 2026. Violent fan behaviour forced a 14‑minute halt, and the referee sent both teams off the pitch in the second half after away supporters broke into the home sector.
The disturbance was not confined to the stadium. Around 18:45 local time, before the match started, clashes erupted between supporters of the two sides in the Bishop Street area. A Northern Ireland Police Service (PSNI) officer was injured and taken to hospital. Superintendent Graeme Craig said the police were called in at the clubs’ request to restore order.
Chronology of the Violence
Following Ellis Chapman’s 47th‑minute goal for Derry City, a group of CSKA Sofia supporters in the away stand advanced to the barrier and tried to breach the home fans’ area. Families and children in the stands were forced to flee onto the pitch. The referee paused the contest and ordered both sides to the locker rooms.
After a 14‑minute break, the game resumed. CSKA Sofia equalised thanks to Ioannis Pittas three minutes after the restart. In added time, an own goal by Derry defender Barry Cotter sealed a 2‑1 win for CSKA Sofia and a 5‑3 aggregate victory, sending the Bulgarian club through to the next round.
UEFA Disciplinary Measures
UEFA has opened an emergency disciplinary hearing for Derry City and CSKA Sofia. Derry City face charges of pitch invasion, throwing objects, crowd disturbances and insufficient protection of the playing area. CSKA Sofia confront more serious allegations, including throwing objects, stadium damage, crowd disturbances, racist or discriminatory conduct, and violations by club officials.
The PSNI has formed a dedicated investigation unit to review CCTV and identify those responsible. The home team, Derry City, issued a statement condemning the violence and pledged to work with UEFA, police and CSKA Sofia to uncover the facts.
Even though they lost, Derry City still have a chance to appear in the Conference League. They will meet Rijeka from Croatia in the next qualifying round. CSKA Sofia, meanwhile, will face Qarabag of Azerbaijan.
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