Derry City fined for use of flares as young fan suffers burns at recent game at Bohemians

Derry City have revealed that a young fan suffered burns as a result of a flare during the recent game against Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

The club, which has been fined €2,500 for the use of flares amongst its supporters during the game in Dublin, today released a statement warning against the continued use of pyrotechnics.

This is a continuous area of contention between the club and its supporters, with some even unfurling a banner at Dalymount stating: ‘No pyro, no party’.

The statement read:

“Derry City FC have received a fine of €2,500 for ignition of pyrotechnics at the recent game vs Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

“A young supporter received burn injuries as a result of these flares being lit in a packed stand during the game. The club have now received fines totalling over €3,500 this season alone for pyrotechnic offences at recent Away games. This is a major safety issue and is of ongoing concern to the Club.

“There is also a strong possibility of a ban on our supporters travelling to away games if there are anymore reported pyrotechnic offences this season. These fines are unsustainable for our Club and eats into our finances which cannot be tolerated going forward and the safety of our supporters is of paramount concern.

“The Club would also like to acknowledge and commend the compliance of our supporters at all Home games this season as there have been no reported incidents of pyrotechnic offences. We hope all supporters will continue to comply with the Club and our match night security team.

“Finally, we ask all supporters to comply with new stadium entrance guidelines which have been introduced to filter supporters to the entrance nearest their designated seat/Terrace.

A new entrance gate is now in use (Gate 19) – this can be found within the main car park at the Lone Moor Road side of the Greyhound race track. This entrance is specifically for TERRACE and MARK FARREN Stand ticket holders. Lone Moor Road turnstiles may also be used for entering this side of the stadium. All SOUTHEND Stand ticket holders should enter via Anne St Car Park or Brandywell Road turnstiles.

2These new entrance guidelines have worked well this season and Stewards will be available to assist supporters entering the stadium. The stewards will also continue to carry out searches at all entrance points and any supporter found with Alcohol or pyrotechnics will be refused entry.

We want all supporters to enjoy their visit to Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium and we look forward to further stadium developments in the coming months as work continues on the construction of the new stand which will allow us to increase capacity and grow our fan base.