UK football match suspended as violence erupts and stars forced off pitch | Football | Sport

Derry City’s Europa League qualifying match with Bulgarian heavyweights CSKA Sofia was suspended after violent scenes in the crowd. The tie was suddenly halted for several minutes as visiting CSKA fans were accused of trying to break into the home section at Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Home fans were forced to rush onto the pitch to escape the charging away supporters, while the referee ordered both teams off the pitch and into the dressing rooms to try and restore some calmness to the occasion. This incident took place shortly after Ellis Chapman equalised in the tie at 3-3 on aggregate, shortly after half-time. When play resumed, CSKA took the lead once more through Ioannis Pittas.

And they confirmed their place in the next round deep into added time when Derry defender Barry Cotter turned the ball into his own goal in the 108th minute.

Tiernan Lynch’s side will now enter the Conference League, where they face Croatian outfit Rijeka in the second qualifying round.

Following the match, Derry City released a statement confirming the violent scenes, writing: “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 turned to social media to comment on developments as they unfolded.

“Game stopped as CSKA fans tried to enter home end, players taken of pitch, derry lead 1-0 3-3 in agg,” wrote one.

Another posted: Just had to evacuate stand in brandywell cska fans broke thru security ton of kids in our stand”.

And another wrote: “Cska fans tried storming the stand all the derry fans there gone on the pitch for safety”.

One fan claimed that “CSKA fans giving their team a much needed break… disgraceful scenes there.”