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Derry City have been sanctioned by UEFA following crowd trouble that marred their recent Europa League qualifier against CSKA Sofia.
The Irish club will avoid an immediate stadium closure, but further incidents could trigger tougher action over the next two years.
Derry City handed partial Brandywell Stadium closure
UEFA has handed Derry City a suspended partial closure of the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium following crowd disturbances during the club's Europa League qualifier against CSKA Sofia on 16th July.
The match was halted for 14 minutes after confrontations between rival supporters forced fans, including young children, onto the pitch as police were deployed inside the stadium.
The sanction means part of the Brandywell will be closed if similar offences occur during a two-year probationary period. The Candystripes have also been fined €20,000 (£17,000).
CSKA Sofia were also punished, with the Bulgarian club banned from taking away supporters to their next UEFA away fixture and handed an additional suspended one-match ban.
They were also fined a combined €55,000 (£47,000) and ordered to compensate Derry City for damage caused to the stadium.
In a statement, Derry said they had complained to UEFA about the “aggressive and intimidatory behaviour” of the visiting supporters but accepted their own punishment.
The club also confirmed an investigation is underway to identify any Derry supporters involved, with those responsible facing sanctions that could include lifetime bans from the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
FGG says: A warning for everyone involved
UEFA's decision reflects the seriousness of the incidents, while the suspended nature of the stadium closure allows Derry City to avoid further punishment by maintaining improved safety and security at future European fixtures.
The hope for all parties will be that the focus quickly returns to football.
No club wants to see supporters, particularly families and children, caught up in scenes like those witnessed at the Brandywell.