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Derry City pushed Bulgarian heavyweights CSKA Sofia to the brink in a dramatic Europa League encounter on Thursday evening, before crowd disorder brought proceedings to a halt at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.

Play was suspended for a number of minutes after CSKA supporters attempted to force their way into the home end, with Derry fans compelled to spill onto the pitch to escape the charging away supporters.

Both sets of players were taken off the field as stewards and officials worked to regain control, with the trouble breaking out shortly after Ellis Chapman's 47th-minute equaliser levelled the tie at 3-3 on aggregate.

Following the resumption, CSKA retook the aggregate advantage through Ioannis Pittas, before Derry defender Barry Cotter's unfortunate own goal in the 108th minute sealed the Bulgarian side's progression deep into additional time.

Tiernan Lynch's side will now enter the Conference League, where they face Croatian outfit Rijeka in the second qualifying round.

Fans clashed before the game also, with police struggling to keep both sets of supporters apart.

Supporters took to social media in their droves to share their experiences as events unfolded, reports the Irish Mirror.

"Game stopped as CSKA fans tried to enter home end, players taken of pitch, derry lead 1-0 3-3 in agg," wrote one.

Another posted: Just had to evacuate stand in brandywell cska fans broke thru security ton of kids in our stand".

One remarked: "CSKA Sofia/Litex Lovech Ultras kicking off on Derry, I wouldnt like to be them tonight, Derry is a f**k around and find out type of city".

And another wrote: "Cska fans tried storming the stand all the derry fans there gone on the pitch for safety".

One fan claimed that "CSKA fans giving their team a much needed break... disgraceful scenes there. ".

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