NI supporters treated 'shamefully' in Bulgaria

Fans' spokesman Gary McAllister said Northern Ireland supporters were denied "basic rights of water and toilet facilities" after being locked into their section of the stadium in Plovdiv

Northern Ireland fans spokesman Gary McAllister says supporters received "shameful and totally unacceptable treatment" in Sunday's Nations League game in Bulgaria which included "being subjected to violent attack".

The chairman of the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs [AONISC] said fans had been been denied "basic rights of water and toilet facilities" after being locked into their section of the stadium in Plovdiv.

"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," said McAllister.

"Some of our fans were also subjected to violent attack as they made their way back to the city centre, and one fan was hospitalised."

The Irish FA said that it had "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," said the Irish FA statement.

The IFA earlier told BBC Sport NI that it had been in touch with the AONISC over the issue.

The Northern Ireland fans spokesman strongly criticised the stewarding and policing in and around the game, saying that missiles has been thrown at supporters during the match.

"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," added McAllister.

"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."

McAllister added that Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs has informed the Irish FA and PSNI about Sunday's events.

The PSNI said in a statement to the BBC that they are "liaising with the Irish Football Association and Amalgamation of official NI Supporters Clubs to provide any assistance they might require following last night’s game in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.”

BBC Sport NI has also contacted the Bulgarian Football Union and Uefa for comment in addition to the Bulgarian Police.

Bulgaria earned a 1-0 victory in the Plovdiv contest.