LAST NIGHT’S FAI Cup semi-final replay between Derry City and Dundalk was marred by violence after the final whistle.
Reigning league and cup champions Dundalk claimed a 2-1 victory at the Brandywell thanks to Ronan Finn’s winner to set up a rematch of last year’s final with Cork City.
After the game, visiting fans were reportedly attacked in the Lecky Road area with one supporter receiving injuries to his head, while a mini-bus was vandalised.
The PSNI received a formal complaint and Derry City club director Tony O’Doherty has apologised for the behaviour of a few.
“First of all I want to pass on best wishes from Derry City Football Club to the Dundalk fans who had that experience last night,” O’Doherty told the BBC.
“They came in a mini-bus, parked about 500 metres from the ground — tyres were let down, windows were broken and some graffiti was scrawled on the bus.
“It was not a typical experience, we had a massive crowd here, all fans together with no segregation in front of great game of football.”
“We have built up a close working relationship with Derry City Football Club and the local community over the years and we are just as disappointed over what transpired last night following the match,” he said.
“In relation to the incident last night we were in continuous contact with key members of the community ensuring the appropriate police response and the safety of the Dundalk supporters.
“We would like to thank all those from the community involved in managing this difficult situation. We are asking anyone who witnessed the disorder or who could assist with our enquiries to come forward.”
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