Derry City handed suspended partial stadium closure

Derry City have been issued a suspended partial closure of the Brandywell Stadium by an independent disciplinary committee.

The decision comes after incidents during and after the League of Ireland Premier Division fixture between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers on Friday night.

The Candystripes lost the game 3-1 and there was crowd trouble outside the stadium with visiting fans forced to gather in the centre circle after the final whistle.

During the game, a pyrotechnic thrown from outside the stadium landed on the field.

The suspended closure will come into effect should similar incidents occur during Derry's next home league game against Shelbourne on Monday, 6 May.

City have also been fined 2,000 euro (£1,700) over the incidents.

A statement from the League of Ireland said: "The League of Ireland and FAI are committed to providing a safe environment for players, officials, staff and spectators at all our fixtures."

In a statement, Derry City said they accepted the ruling of the independent disciplinary committee and said it was exploring ways to enhance crowd control measures.

"As a result of continued anti-social behaviour, the club need to take additional measures to ensure that all supporters attending games in the Ryan McBride stadium can enjoy a safe and enjoyable match night experience," their statement read.

"This is highly unfortunate and not a move the club takes lightly. It has however been forced on the club due to those recent events.

"The club is reviewing photographic and video evidence to seek to identify any supporters involved in this behaviour."