Derry City & Bohemians issue joint-statement condemning shocking violence before League of Ireland fixture

The Irish Sun

6 days ago

DERRY CITY and Bohemians have joined forces to condemn the hooliganism that marred their Premier Division clash last Friday.
Mobile phone footage
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Away fans were targeted by a group of local yobs
Credit: X
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Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch
In one shocking scene, one of the thugs scaled a fence to launch fireworks towards opposing fans.
In another clip shared to social media, a terrified young fan can be heard screaming 'Daddy!' as fireworks explode nearby.
A statement issued on behalf of both clubs condemned the rioters for putting the safety of real fans at 'serious risk'.
Derry City said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the violent scenes, while both sides are working with the FAI on ways to protect both sets of supporters in the future.
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The statement read: 'Derry City FC and Bohemian FC, on and off the field, from board level right down to our respective fanbases, have enjoyed a fantastic relationship down through the years.
'Both clubs are committed to working together to do everything in our power to protect and strengthen that relationship into the future.
'It is therefore with great regret to both clubs that incidents, before and after our game at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday night, from individuals with no interest in supporting either team, put the safety of genuine supporters at serious risk.
'The safety of everyone — supporters, players and staff — is, and will always be, of paramount importance to both clubs.
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'Derry City has been working tirelessly over the last couple of days with our match-night security team to establish the circumstances surrounding the disturbances and to reassess the procedures in place for travelling supporters.
'Both clubs have also been working in tandem with the FAI to agree a way forward that protects all who attend our games and maintains the long-standing and valued relationship between both clubs.
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'All parties are very much aware that this is an ongoing investigation.
"That process must be respected and therefore neither club will be making any further comment.'