Derry City announces new Brandywell stadium measures after recent violence

Derry City Football Club has announced new match day access measures to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium following recent violent scenes.

Violence erupted last month between Bohemian's and Derry City supporters outside the ground, in what police described as 'pre-arranged'.

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.

A teenage boy and man were hospitalised.

Both clubs condemned the "disgraceful" scenes.

Announcing the new measures, 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 this evening (Friday).

The new measures are being introduced following discussions with the match-night security team.

In a statement, Derry City said: "We ask that all supporters take a few moments to familiarise themselves with these new arrangements. Whilst we appreciate that they may be a change to your existing route to access the stadium.  However these changes are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all spectators.

City supporters can access the stadium from

• Gate 19
  • Location:  Lone Moor Road wall, access via top of Greyhound Track ,
• Gate 5:
  • Location:   Bottom of Brandywell Road/Southend Park

Both these access points are a short walk from Inner and Outer Car Parks. Car Parking will still be available as normal pre-match.

In order to accelerate the speed of access, a number of  new turnstiles commissioned and are ready for use.

• 1 on Lonemoor Road, 2 on Brandywell Road, and 4 on Southend Park.
• Hand scanners available at ALL gates as a back-up for the remainder of the season.

There will be no change for supporters with mobility/access issues that have existing arrangements in place with the club

All other Home supporters will no longer be able access the stadium via Gate 9 (Inner Car Park).  This access will be for Club Staff, Guests, officials and AWAY supporters only.

Please review and plan your route for access based on these changes.  In particular, if you previously accessed the ground via Gate 9, you may need to allow extra time to reach your new access point.

There will also be  no access between the gates situated behind the Showgrounds goal – this will be in operation before kick off and   and after the final whistle

Supporters sitting in the North Stand or Southend Stand who wish to access the Club Merchandise Store, will need to walk via the Lone Moor Road side of the ground.

Food and Beverage venues will be unchanged under this new configurations.

If you have any queries on where each gate is, we suggest watching this video that was released at the start of the season.

Away supporters will access the stadium via Gate 9, the inner car park.  This gate is for  will be for Club Staff, Guests, officials and AWAY supporters only. This ensures that visiting supporters have a sterile segregated area in Blocks K,L,and M Southend Stand.

"We thank supporters in advance for supporting our match night team in ensuring both the safety and enjoyment of those attending games at Brandywell stadium."