Children among fans fleeing onto pitch during Derry City vs CSKA Sofia clash

Fans, including young children, were forced to flee onto the pitch during the second half of a Europa League match between Derry City and CSKA Sofia at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Londonderry on Thursday night. The referee paused the game as police intervened to restore order.

The trouble followed earlier clashes in Bishop Street, about 15 minutes from the stadium, where a police officer was injured. During the match, additional disorder in the stands prompted families to seek safety on the field. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Inspector Graeme Craig condemned the "unacceptable and reckless behaviour of a small number of individuals."

What happened

European football's governing body, Uefa, announced it is investigating both clubs and will make a decision next week. Local politicians, including SDLP MP Colum Eastwood and Mayor Grace Uí Niallais, described the scenes as "disgraceful" and "deeply upsetting." Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch expressed concern for his own son in the crowd, saying he feared the situation could "get extremely nasty."

• Trouble flared before the match in Bishop Street, leaving a police officer injured.
• During the second half, fans including children ran onto the pitch to escape disorder.
• Police entered the stadium at the club's request and maintained a heavy presence.
• PSNI condemned the behaviour and said their actions allowed the match to conclude.
• Uefa is investigating both clubs and will announce a decision next week.

Derry City lost the match 2-1, but Lynch said he felt "completely mixed emotions"—proud of his team's performance but disappointed by the incidents. The club and local authorities are likely to face scrutiny as Uefa's investigation proceeds.