Gary McAllister, representing the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters’ Clubs (AONISC), claimed they were subjected to ‘violent attacks’ after Sunday night’s Nations League game and were denied basic rights of water and toilet facilities.
McAllister revealed that one fan had been hospitalised adding that the attitude of the police in Plovdiv became ‘more difficult as the day progressed, and their decision not to invite the PSNI to Bulgaria was unhelpful’.
Following Northern Ireland’s 1-0 defeat to Bulgaria on Sunday there were concerning reports on social media from members of the Green and White Army about the atmosphere outside the ground where there was a significant police presence.
Before that around 900 visiting spectators, who had sung their hearts out for the team during the match, were kept inside the stadium for what some say was 45 minutes after the final whistle.
In a hard hitting statement McAllister said: “We witnessed the shameful and totally unacceptable treatment of our fans in Plovdiv last night.
“Locking us inside our sector not only denied Northern Ireland fans access to the basic rights of water and toilet facilities, it also created a serious safety issue.
“We contacted Irish FA staff, who in turn spoke to the UEFA delegate, and eventually, the gates were opened.
“Some of our fans were also subjected to violent attacks as they made their way back to the city centre, and one fan was hospitalised.
“The treatment of Northern Ireland fans, who were well behaved as ever, was in stark contrast to the lack of stewarding of home fans, some of whom repeatedly threw missiles into our sector until midway through the second half.
“We found the attitude of the police in Plovdiv more difficult as the day progressed, and their decision not to invite the PSNI to Bulgaria was unhelpful.
“There were a number of pieces of information and decisions that changed throughout the course of the day, and we did our best to manage the situations as they arose.
“We have already followed up with the Irish FA and PSNI and will take other steps to ensure that this matter is properly reported.
“Lastly, our thanks to our Fan Embassy volunteers and other friends among the Northern Ireland support who helped us throughout the day and to the rest of the Northern Ireland fans who behaved well as they always do, despite the circumstances.”
On social media , Our Wee Country posted: “A nasty atmosphere after the game with NI fans attacked with belts and bottles. Police now advising us to go back to our hotels rather than drinking in the bars. Disappointing end to a trip to a great city and mostly very hospitable people. Best wishes to the injured fans.”
An Irish FA spokesperson said: “On arrival back in Belfast today we have engaged with UEFA at a senior level to indicate that our fans do not have the history or profile which suggests they deserve the type of treatment that has been reported.
“We expect an update in due course and want to take this opportunity to thank our fans for their continued support.”
The Bulgarian FA and authorities have been contacted for comment.