Linfield-Derry tickets on sale

[A face]

Linfield-Derry tickets on sale


Tickets for the eagerly awaited Setanta Sports Cup opener between Linfield and Derry City will go on sale at the Candystripes’ pre-season friendly game against Cliftonville tonight (Tuesday) - but no Derry tickets will be available to the general public for the Windsor Park encounter.

The Candystripes make the trip to Belfast on February 20th for the Group 2 opener against the Blues. Linfield have allocated tickets for visiting fans, but they will only be available to Derry season ticket holders and club members.


Read more at www.eleven-a-side.com

[MariborKev]

Already posted on the DC forum.

BohsFan- the Dublin Derry City SC are running a bus

[Speranza]

Eagerly awaited indeed. I can only speak for myself but the oppurtunity to beat the best of the I.F.A will be a perfect chance to avenge their actions in the 70's.

[gspain]

Very very tempted to make the game in the Brandywell. Think they'll be cracking ties.

Not sure yet which game I'll attend onthe 20th but definitely not Windsor Park but purely from alogistics point of view with 3 closer games.

[dcfcsteve]

I wouldn't though like to chance the Brandywell game, any day of the week.

Why's that BohsFan ?

[dcfcsteve]

Because if this tie flares up into violence in my judgement it is more likely to happen in Derry.

Why do you think it's likely to flare-up into violence at all ? Derry played Linfield last February at the Brandywell with no inter-fan trouble, and we've also had games at Windsor with no problems. Do you avoid Bohs-Rovers derbies due to their actual history of violent incidents ?

And why do you think that any trouble would be more likely to occur in the Brandywell - a stadium that has never had any crowd trouble in it - than Windsor - a ground which has had numerous such incidents over the years ? Do you not think you're being a tad irrational here BohsFan ?

And regardless - even if there was trouble, why do you suspect it would involve you ?

To be fair - if you're thinking of travelling to such important games with an attitude like that, it's probably best that you stay at home.

[Krstic]

Ah Bohsfan, the anti-Derry man masquerading as a fan of Bohemians.

Steve maybe you should go and look at the previous posts by Bohsfan (not to be mistaken for Bohsfans) around last August or so and that'll teach you not to rise to his baiting.

[dcfcsteve]

Krstic,

I knew from previous posts that one or other between 'Bohsfan' and 'Bohsfans' was a turkey - I just couldn't recall which one it was. Thanksfully, Bohsfan has come to my aid anyway.

[dcfcsteve]

I can't really take your argument on because it presupposes several things to be true, the truthfulness of which I would question.

I would like to go to the game and if I make one of the games it will be the Windsor one for, the reasons I have already stated.

OK - I'll play your little game. Let's ignore my presumptions and focus instead on the facts listed above.

1) Was there any inter-fan trouble at the Derry-Linfield game at the Brandywell last February. Before you come back with the obvious retort regarding the regrettable incidents outside the ground - unless you happened to be on a Linfield Supporters bus, would a re-run of such incidents directly affect you ?

2) Secondly - was there any fan trouble at any of the games Derry and Linfield have played at Windsor over the last 5 years ?

3) Therefore - amalgamating the above facts - is there any history of inter-fan trouble between Derry City and Linfield that would make such a match a 'no-show' for anyone who wanted to go purely to watch the football ?

4) Conversely - is there or is there not a history of fan trouble at Bohs versus Rovers derbies ? And does this or does this not stop you going to those matches ?

All the above are questions regarding fact, so I'm not engaging you with presumptions. I look forward to hearing your acceptance or otherwise of these facts, and the clear direction in which they point.

[dcfcsteve]

In order to get into and out of the ground you must use the area around the ground. A relevant fact I think. Does the head that is split in two really care whether it happened while watching the game or while leaving the game?

Firstly - you are well aware of the impeccable record of Derry fans and the tight ticketing situiation regarding this game, yet you insist on continually making snide remarks about the possibility of your safety being at jeopardy inside the Brandywell - "Does the head that is split in two really care about whether it happened while watching the game...". Any trouble that may or may not occur would be outside the ground - not inside. I don't know why you have some petty need to rubbish the well-earned good name of Derry fans (jealousy perhaps ?), but I wished you'd grow up and stop embarassing yourself this way. It reduces the credibility of the rest of your arguement.

With regards after the game - Derry fans will leave the ground way in-advance of the Linfield supporters, and will do so via the opposite end of the stadium. Linfield fans will be bussed out of the game at least 30mins after the Derry fans. Therefore, the only way you would be party to any trouble that may or may not occur outside the ground would be if you were on a Linfield supporters bus, or if you decided to walk right round the ground and hang around to look for any possible trouble. Even then, you'd probably need to be clearly identifiable as a Linfield fan as well. Are you planning to do either ?

Not qualified to answer that but my presumption is little or no trouble. In any case at least at Windsor and environs (the environs do matter Steve, believe me they do) I am not denied my right to protection from the forces of law and order. This does make a difference Steve, a big difference.

Despite your dislike for presumptions when I use them, you're presumption here is correct. There has been NO trouble. Regardless - you're niaive in the extreme if you think the presence of Police is sufficient to either stop trouble form occuring at football matches, or snuffing it out quickly when it does. There have been numerous incidents over the years at Windsor where the Police have been ineffective - some, in fact, where they've actually made the situation worse (e.g. the Donegal Celtic Cup game, where they fired baton rounds into the stands !). Did the availability of Police at last season's final league game at the Oval prevent what was described as the most serious in-stadium violence seen in this corner of Europe for decades ? Did the presence of the Gardai in Dublin in 1995 prevent Lansdowne getting ripped up ? And we're aware of how ineffective the Gardai can be at policing Bohs vs Rovers around the grounds on matchday. You're therefore naive if you think that the presence of Police is the sole and only effective solution to possible public disorder at football matches. The best answer is to remove the likelihood of it happening in the first place by directly controlling who can attend - which both Derry and Linfield are doing. And it may come as a surprise to you to hear that both Derry and Linfield have taken note of what happened outside the ground last February, and are likewise taking steps to reduce the likelihood of any incidents recurring OUTSIDE either. The best solution to problems is to stop them arising in the first place - not using Police muscle as a sticky plaster.

See my answer to question 1. My head does not discriminate between a rock fired by a fan of Derry City or some scally from the Brandywell who may or may not be a fan of Derry City. This is a safety issue Steve. There are only a tiny minority of Iraqi's with murderous intentions towards westerners but is that any comfort to someone about to be beheaded? I don't think so. Similarly it makes little difference to anyone as to the identity of whoever is trying to smash them up in Derry. The issue is one of safety at the Brandywell and around the Brandywell.

Firstly - given the impeccable record of Derry fans, why do you insist on continually talking about the possibility of trouble from Derry supporters : "a rock fired by a fan of Derry City or some scally from the Brandywell who may or may not be a fan of Derry City". You know full-well that Derry fans have a very positive reputation ? Why are you continually drawing it into question ?

Secondly - your Iraqi comparison is extreme in the absurd

Thirdly - as mentioned in my response to 1), any trouble OUTSIDE the ground would unfortunately be directed at Linfield fans solely. So unless you're clearly identifiable as one of them and go out of your way to hang around and find it, why would you be involved ?

That was the case when Derry were removed from the IL and it remains the case for certain fixtures and the hiring of paramilitary thugs in bibs is little comfort to the rest of us.

You're very higgh on opinions, yet low on facts BohsFan. Firstly, DCFC were not "removed" form the Irish League. We withdrew, because of a sectarian/political decision to deny us the ability to play matches at our home ground. Secondly, the Brandywell was not even a security issue at that time. Both the British security forces and the IFA had declared that there were no safety issues involved with playing games there at that time. Which draws further into question the decision of the Irish League Management Committee to refuse Portadown's request for us to return there. But perhaps you are privvy to security force uinformation form the 1970's that counteracts the publically-stated view of the Security experts at that time....?

I know the territory down here for one and for two most of the violence is latent rather than actual and when it does manifest the forces of law and order are present to intervene, a non-trivial consideration Steve.

So just to be clear - you continue to attend a fixture that has a history of inter-fan violence involving both sides, purely on the basis that "you know the territory". Yet you're afraid to attend a fixture with no history of inter-fan violence, where any trouble that may occur outside would be directed solely at people other than yourself who are leaving via the other side of the stadium at least half an hour after you've left ? Do you realise how ridiculous you sound....?

Whether you choose to accept it or not Steve, there is considerable anxiety about this fixture at the Brandywell. If you want to change peoples perceptions about this the best way to do it is for Derry City to make clear in advance that their thinking about supporter safety, both in the Brandywell and around the Brandywell has changed. Silly internet protestations that the place is wonderful don't cut any ice when everyone else knows otherwise. Address the issues and less sensitivity about the criticism is the only way I can see for Derry City to assure the soccer going public, north and south that the Brandywell is safe.

I do indeed understand very well that there is some anxiety about this fixture, and rightly so. I'm frankly shocked to hear it coming from a Dubliner who claims to be vageuly knowledgeable about the situation though. As stated before, both Linfield and Derry have been planning the 2 fixtures for months. It may come as a shock to you that such obvious common sense is being exercised. I look forward to the plans that are put in place as a result - not all of which, I'm sure, will be declared openly in public.

As for your parting shot suggesting that safety at the Brandywell is a source of concern for "the soccer going public, north and south" - you really are getting carried away with yourself there. We're not the ones who require mounted police, Gardai in riot gear and Police dogs at a number of our matches, year-in year-out. Even without the presence of Police at our stadium, we have a better record and reputation for crowd safety/behaviour and a lack of fan trouble in and around our ground than Bohs and Dalymount do. But sure - you keep on flying in the face of all reason and common sense, safe in the knowledge that Dalymount is a haven of peace, solitude and safety for fan's whilst matchday at the Brandywell is the 7th level of hell....

[Krstic]

Bohsfan, why would any of this concern you???

There's no way that you will enter the brandywell with the Linfield fans as you are not a member of their club ?????????????

And IF you did get into the ground, then surely you would be considered a neutral, or is it the case that when you turn your Bohs scarf inside out a Linfield one appears.??

Anyway, I'm glad to see you're back after a 5 month abscence.
I actually missed your weak attempts at blackening the name of all things Derry.

PS Have they no internet in Hydebank??

[dcfcsteve]

"given the impeccable record of Derry fans" -another presupposition

You obviously seem unable to even partially acknowledge the fact that Derry fans have a very positive reputation throughout the league. Echoed numerous times by fans, and indeed managers, of other clubs. If you had even a degree of integrity you would acknowledge that Derry City fans have one of the best - if not the best - reputations in the country.

That aside, of course that doesn't assert that no Derry fan could ever possibly do anything bad ever. But it does reduce the likelihood. It is entirely natural to have expectations form certain sets of supporters based upon their past record. This doesn't proclude the opposite from happening, and yes it is in your favourite word a 'presupposition'. But without spending years trawling very tedious public records etc etc, it's impossible to provide the facts to back up this presupposition. So let's just go with the only data do have, which is past behaviour.

A thats alright so. As long as you are not a Linfield fan.

Now now BohsFan - you know yourself that that's not what I meant. One of your cheaper shots in a long list

And I suppose I would deserve it for not legging it immediately after the final whistle. I have to say that the implied safety measure of getting out quickly is itself a dangerous stipulation. Rushing and big crowds in cnfined spaces has a poor history for being conducive to the wellfare of those involved.

Thanks for the lecture on crowd safety BohsFan- I'm sure the team at the Brandywell could do with your wisdom. I don't think over 30mins to clear c.1,000 (the capacity will be limited to season ticket and members only) people from a stadium with very clear and functional exit points (the first stadium in the country to get an 'A' license for Europe!) is likely to result in Hillsborough Mark 2. Do you?

That paragraph is itself exceedingly high on opinions and without a single solitary supporting rational in sight.

I actually cringed for you when I read that line BohsFan. Let's see - which of the following supporting rationales (not the correct spelling) did you fail to notice :

1) The fact we weren't thrown out of the league, but we withdrew.
2) The fact there was no mention or threat at the time of us being thrown out of the league.
3) The fact that both the British Army (in charge of security in the area at that time) and the IFA publically stated that they saw no public safety or security reasons why football could not resume at the Brandywell at that time.
4) The supporting rationale that suggested that it was somewhat fishy for the clubs on the Irish League Management Committee (who had a long history of making inexplicable decisions against Derry City FC and other teams with a perceived nationalist identity) to decide that they knew more about security in the city of Derry than the British Army or the IFA did.

Which of the above would fail to be considered a supporting rationale then?

I have to say I am a little embarrassed, for you, that you retreat to the same old "poor we us" line when it comes to Derrys removal from the IL. I am sure I am not the only one disappointed to see you hiding behind the famous (and at this stage very boring) old catch-phrases of "sectarian" and "political'. I really think there are a lot of people who wold be much happier to see a new ability to take and accept responsibility and would respond positively if you did. The mind-set you exhibit here is not only out of fashion but quite frankly is not something many people are prepared to buy any more.

Here we go. Life in little Ulster was a bed or roses in the early 70's. There was no sectarian bias in decision-making made by anyone anywhere. It's all in the wee people of Derry's heads. If only they'd stop pretending that anything was ever wrong with Northern Ireland and Irish football at that time, then we could all just get on with life.

I'm not asking anyone to buy a mind-set BohsFan - i just stated the facts around our withdrawal from football. So if you're so up on the history of Northern Irish football, then why don't you tell us all then. Why did the IL Management Committee- a body wqith a history of making decisions against Derry City FC and the likes of Belfast Celtic that could only sensibly be explained along political/sectarian lines- refuse to accept the publically stated view of both the British Security Forces and the IFA that it was safe to play football back at the Brandywell in 1972/3 ? Which body was best placed to make that call- the army, or Chairmen of football clubs many miles away? And if those in the know had told them safety wasn't an issue, what possible reason could they have therefore had for rejecting the call from Portadown for a return to the Brandywell ?? I'm intrigued to her your thoughts on this.

"Yet you're afraid to attend a fixture with no history of inter-fan violence"
Again the repetitive use of presuppositions designed to limit others ability to form a relevant response without actually having to accept your presupposition. That is not clever or smart Steve it actually shows up your argument as lazy, slipshod and defensive.

You're talking out of yer arse BohsFan. I put together a very valid presupposition (see- even I can use that word !) based around what you yourself have been saying. If you don't like me doing that, then don't talk shi!te, as it's your own ingredients I'm using.

Steve, Bohemian FC welcomes and encourages the presence of police, mounted or otherwise to ensure the safety of spectators at our games. It is not a consideration for Bohemian FC that the presence of such forces can be shabbily reframed as being a "problem" by some keyboard warrior out to impress his mates. The problem is not horse mounted police. The horse mounted police are an effective control measure put in place to treat the problem, the problem being scum bag on both sides trying to get to each other and get to innocent match goers. Your logic quite explicitly proffers the argument that a lack of an effective and public remedy is evidence of lack of disease. Not so Steve, those of us who live in the real world know that the absence of treatment does not indicate lack of illness.

Firstly - just because I have a point that you disagree with, that makes me a "keyboard warrior, out to impress his mates" ?? Took me a good few minutes to stop laughing at that. For a start, I'm a bit too old to be a keyboard warrior ! Secondly - I'm friendly with only one person on this board, who hasn't posted on this thread. So just who am I trying to impress ?? Still - good of you to try to dismiss me as some young hot-head showing-off, rather than someone with a valid point whether you agree with it or not.

You're going on as if Derry are just going to have the game and tough luck with regards what happens. Both Derry and Linfield recognise the 'danger' posed by our fixtures, and are taking steps to counter those. No doubt some of those are best kept out of the public domain in order to ensure their tactics aren't exposed to anyone who may want to cause trouble. That seems perfectly sensible to me, and if stops you going - that's a price I'm happy for us to pay (you shouldn't even be there if you're not a DCFC or LFC member). Meanwhile - yes, Bohs are right and sensible to work with the Police in ensuring crowd safety. But you have that luxury and it is a luxury that is clearly needed at your ground numerous times a season. Because Northern Ireland is still coming out of a very traumatic period in its history (whoops - there goes the wee Derry man again with his delusional notion that there's ever been any problems ever at all in the black North !) we don't have that luxury at the moment. And frankly we don't need it for the 99.9% of games we play, which is a tremendous thing in modern day football. The only instance when it does become a problem is when Linfield are playing us (note - there have been no problems when Glens fans visit us). It's all very well for you to hector me about police at football crowds, but I prefer to live in the real world. And the real world unfortunately doesn't have police in the Brandywell area for matches at the moment. Therefore - far from use this to shirk their responsibility, Derry City, Linfield and the PSNI have been in ongoing discussions over the last number of months over how to remove any likelihood for trouble. Given the realities within which we have to work, how does that make us any less responsible than Bohs ?

BohsFan - as rightly pointed out by Krstic, you have a history behind you of looking to have digs at Derry City in posts. You can cloak them up in fancy words, smug language, ridiculous metaphors and a failure to accept certain facts when they are presented to you, but you have earned that reputation. There is therefore little point me continuing suuch a debate with someone who for whatever reason looks to use them to sharpen the axe he has to grind. We'll see what happens when Linfield do visit the Brandywell. As with ANY football match ANYWHERE trouble cannot be ruled out. But Derry City, Linfield and the PSNI will combine to do the best they can within the real world to remove this possibility. I can't help but suspect that, should there be trouble, you will allow yourself to feel all smug and happy at an unfortunate event for Irish football - just so you can look in the mirror and say "I was right". Enjoy the game at Windsor (are you planning on becoming a Derry City member to get a ticket ?), and hopefully some day we'll see you back at Brandywell so you can enjoy football in a stadium where the police are simply not needed week-in week-out. Though - do leave your axe at home....

[el punter]

Jesus lads, that's an extraordinary about of screen space you've used up there! I imagine Bohsfan could cross examine an innocent man in to the gallows.

I'm really looking forward to these games - and would be happy to attend either one at the Brandywell or Windsor Park as long as I wasn't near any of the loonies who will undoubtedly TRY to cause trouble.

I've every confidence that two well run clubs like Linfield and Derry will have every precaution taken to ensure all goes off well. Doubtless they've given it a whole lot more thought than the average bear.

Not to get overly political but I think it's a credit to the people of Derry and DCFC that they police their own games. I'm also a big fan of the idea of Derry building a squad of predominately local players - fans want to see players they relate to, not blow ins in my opinion. Its part of the reason for success of the GAA I think....but maybe that's for another thread.

[Speranza]

Wouldn't waste my time or energy responding to Bohsfan but elpunter...

I think it is certain that "loonies" will try and cause trouble but I have every faith that our board know the importance of stopping this element. Linfield fans need a police presence in the Brandywell simple as that, people myself included may not trust the PSNI but a job is there to be done and no-one has the right to stop that.

Trouble is unlikely in Belfast as we will be kept well aware from the few potential flashpoints around Windsor which is in a commercial area unlike the residential area around the Brandy.

The local make-up of our squad is brilliant and you always know a victory means that bit more to a local. Thats not to take away from players like the legend Gary Beckett, Steve O Flynn e.t.c. Harps fielded an all Donegal XI last year and someone noted that tens of thousands more follow that same principle on a GAA pitch which is true and sad.

[el punter]

Speranza, is it the case then that the PSNI will (or should in your opinion) travel with Linfield fans, babysit them while in the ground and them get them out of there back to Belfast?

Will it not cause extreme tension among rank and file Derry supporters and residents to see PSNI in the Brandywell area or is there a general acceptance that they are needed in this unusual case?

[Krstic]

el punter, there should be no need for them inside the ground.

Outside however is a different story, and that will be for the PSNI to decide.

There is no way the Linfield fans could be expected to accept the same cirumstances as the last time, although giving them a police escort will not help, this will just be an added bonus for the local hoods. 2 birds with the one stone!!!!

There is another way into Brandywell stadium through Donegal, straight in the back gate, avoiding the difficult Foyle Road. Although it would add 30-50 mins to their journey.

[Speranza]

Never thought about that route Kristic. Could well be one of the things the two boards are discussing.

Will it not cause extreme tension among rank and file Derry supporters and residents to see PSNI in the Brandywell area or is there a general acceptance that they are needed in this unusual case?

elpunter, I don't think any normal City fan who genuinely has the best interests of the club at heart will be annoyed at the sight of the PSNI around the ground. I don't think there is any chance of the cops inside the ground as there is a long-standing agreement that the stewards are sufficient. Remember the friendly last year Linfield fans were clapped into the ground by all, pity they spoiled it by their choice of song in response to our ovation.

The residents of the Brandywell will probably kick up a fuss about this again but IMO it is due to the knowledge that the PSNI will be in their area on a certain night. It is an oppurtunity to make a stand and they will lap it up.

The little runts who start the trouble don't give a hoot about DCFC and never will as Celtic are their Irish team I'd be surprised if they have ever been to a match but they need to be stopped from embaressing our club and city.

[el punter]

well hopefully all goes well and the Setanta Cup can continue for many years.

As a matter of interest what song did the Linfield boys offer up to the Brandywell in response to your civilized gesture?

[Speranza]

Billy Boys followed by GSTQ if my memory serves me right. Probably in an attempt to coax us into a similar response but we're not willing to embarress our club and stoop to that pathetic level. Totally ignoring it will hurt the most.