The game between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier Division was paused when a child with a flare ran onto the pitch on Friday.
Shamrock Rovers emerged victorious with a 3-1 win in the Irish top-flight game, but there were concerning moments towards the end as a flare was thrown from the stands.
According to local reports from the Derry Journal, the flare caused a fire on one part of the pitch at Lone Moor Road. Meanwhile, a video has become popular on social media, showing a child running onto the pitch..
In the video, the child takes the flare and runs away with it before it was eventually taken away and the match ended. Fans have been responding to the video on social media with @Mickmac45049764 posting on X: ‘This is not a joke serious harm could have happened to that child where are his parents.’ ‘Tell me you’ve never been to Derry without telling me you’ve never been to Derry,’ @brian_gall85 added.
‘Couldn’t believe this watching it,’ @cahilljackie posted. ‘Why didn’t someone take the flare off the kid?’
‘What the f*** is going on at Derry,’ @the_peakys said. ‘A young boy no older than 10 runs on the pitch and grabs a flare, then proceeds to run up the pitch with it.’
Aaron Greene scored twice while Richie Towell also scored as Shamrock Rovers won the match 3-1 as the visiting team.
This was a crucial win for Shamrock Rovers, who are now only three points behind the league leaders in Ireland.
‘We’ve had better Friday nights,’ Derry City posted on their official X account after their loss.
Patrick Hoban scored for the hosts, but it was not sufficient as they suffered defeat in front of their disappointed home fans.
Part of the pitch caught fire.
‘We’ve had better Friday nights,’ Derry City posted on their official X account after their loss.
Patrick Hoban was on target for the hosts but it was not enough as they tasted defeat in front of their frustrated home fans.
