THE Chairman of Derry City Football Club has said he is disappointed and frustrated after what happened after the Derry City versus Dundalk FAI Cup tie on Tuesday night.
Dundalk fans leaving the ground following their 2-1 win in the replay of the FAI Cup semi-final at the Brandywell were attacked by a mob of up to 60 armed with bottles and iron bars.
Their coach was also vandalised and one fan was struck on the head with the bottle on the Lecky Road.
Philip O’Doherty said he will be meeting with local politicians tomorrow (Friday) to take their views on the situation.
In a statement today, the chairman said: “Tuesday night saw a fine game of football, played in front of a large crowd and in an atmosphere befitting such an occasion.
“Our fans were delighted with the quality and the passion that they witnessed on the field.
“They were particularly pleased at the number of young, local, players who are beginning to make their mark and who acquitted themselves so well against a team that has been described by many as the finest in Ireland and who are presently defeating some of the top football teams in Europe.
“It was a pleasure to witness the camaraderie between both sets of supporters.
Derry City chairman Philip O’Doherty disappointed over trouble outside ground after Dundalk game
“Given the great atmosphere and feeling of safety inside the ground, makes it all the more shocking and unacceptable that after the match and well away from the football ground, a young Dundalk supporter was injured and a supporter’s bus damaged.
“The club has been told that these attacks were carried out by a group of youngsters and children.
“There is some suggestion that this gathering was prearranged. The club has been in regular contact with Dundalk to express our disgust and to inquire after the health of their young fan.
“The events have received widespread publicity throughout Ireland.
These events and this negative coverage are very prejudicial to our club, our fans and our city.
“The responsibility and the authority of the Club is necessarily restricted to what happens inside the ground but the club is an integral part of this City and what affects one, affects the other.
“We have an adult responsibility to ensure that a group of youngsters and children who appear to have little pride in themselves and in their City do not undermine the enjoyment of our fans and the good name of the City.
“The Club has worked closely and productively with community workers and police to ensure the safety of our own fans and visitors to our football matches.
“For the greater part that work has been successful and that work will continue.
“We have also arranged a meeting this Friday with local MLAs and councillors to take their views and guidance as to how the Club responds to these events but more importantly, to hear what they think should happen to make sure that the local community, the football club and the City itself are not held ransom by a group of youngsters who appear not to care about anything or anyone.
“We will continue to keep our fans fully informed of any developments,” he added.
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