Derry City introduce new matchday access measures after disorder

Derry City Football Club are changing the way fans access their stadium following violent scenes during a match against Bohemian FC last month.

Rival fans must now enter and leave through different gates at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium during all future home fixtures, starting with their match against Cork City on Friday evening.

The new measures are being introduced by the League of Ireland side following discussions with the match-night security team.

It comes after what the police described as “pre-arranged” violence on the streets surrounding the stadium on 25 July, leaving a teenage boy and a man in his 20s needing hospital treatment.

Both Derry City and Bohemian FC issued a joint statement last week condemning the “disgraceful” scenes witnessed on Lecky Road and Lone Moor Road.

During the trouble, masked groups armed with sticks, bats, and iron bars clashed before and after the match, damaging cars and terrifying residents.

Footage shared on social media showed fans fleeing as fireworks exploded near the stands, and the game itself was paused briefly when a flare ignited part of the pitch.

Derry City had previously confirmed that the club had been working closely with security teams and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to review match-day procedures and prevent further incidents.

In a statement, the club stressed that the revised entry plan which reduces home and fans mixing is aimed at keeping everyone in the ground safe.

“We appreciate that these changes may impact supporters’ usual routes to the stadium,” Derry City said.

“However, these adjustments are essential to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone attending matches at Brandywell.”

Effective immediately, gate nine, which was previously a main point of entry for many home fans will be reserved exclusively for away supporters, club staff, officials and guests.

Home fans must now use either gate 19 (accessed via Lone Moor Road) or Gate 5 (located at the bottom of Brandywell Road and Southend Park).

To improve the flow of fans and reduce queues, the club has commissioned seven new turnstiles, with one on Lone Moor Road, two on Brandywell Road and four on Southend Park.

Hand scanners will be available at all gates as a back-up for the remainder of the season.

There will be no access between the gates located behind the Showgrounds goal, both before kick-off and after the final whistle, to prevent crowd-mixing.

Car parking facilities will remain unchanged, but fans are encouraged to plan their routes in advance, particularly those who previously entered via gate 9, as a longer walk to new entry points may now be required.

The club thanked supporters in advance for supporting their match-night team in ensuring both the safety and enjoyment of those attending the home games.