Police were deployed into the stands at the Ryan Mc Bride Brandywell Stadium in Londonderry on Thursday after disorder broke out during a UEFA Europa League clash between Derry City and Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia. Trouble flared between rival supporters in Bishop Street before kick-off, injuring a police officer. During the second half, fans including parents with children fled onto the pitch when further trouble erupted. The referee stopped the game for 14 minutes while police entered the stadium at the club's request.

UEFA said it was investigating both clubs and would decide next week. Charges against CSKA Sofia include stadium damage, throwing objects, racist behaviour, and crowd disturbances. Charges against Derry City include field invasion, throwing objects, crowd disturbances, and insufficient pitch protection. Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch expressed mixed emotions after his team's 2-1 loss, noting his own son was in the crowd during the chaos.

Witnesses described terrifying scenes. SDLP councillor Rory Farrell said visiting fans were "hurling abuse... hurling objects... trying to force themselves through barriers" while he was with his 10-year-old daughter. Fan Malcolm Mc Causland said he "saw sights that I have never seen at a football match before" and called for security review. Politicians Colum Eastwood and Julie Middleton condemned the violence.