There was a security alert on Friday night as President Michael D Higgins attended a football match between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers after a suspicious object was found near the stadium.
The security alert disrupted crowds leaving the the President's Cup match at the Brandywell, which took place one week ahead of the start of the new League of Ireland season.
President Higgins remained in the stadium to present the trophy to Derry after they defeated Rovers 2-0 as police attended to the discovery of the suspicious object, which the PSNI later said was "an elaborate hoax".
READ MORE: Recap from Derry City v Shamrock Rovers
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris left the game early after the discovery was made.
However, the discovery of the suspicious object in the Celtic Court area close to the stadium caused what SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood described as “significant disruption” for local residents and those travelling from the match.
“Elderly residents and children have had their night turned upside down as police attempt to make the area safe,” Mr Eastwood said.
“It is particularly frustrating that local people and Derry City fans are experiencing this disruption as President Higgins visits for this evening’s President’s Cup match."
Sinn Fein MLA Padraig Delargy condemned the security alert.
He said: “This has caused huge disruption for elderly residents and thousands of fans attending the Derry City match at the Brandywell tonight.
“No one wants to see this type of disruption, especially on a cold winter night.
The PSNI confirmed on Saturday that the security alert had ended.
Superintendent William Calderwood said: "Police received a report that a suspicious object had been found in the Celtic Court area at around 8.30pm on Friday, February 10th.
"Ammunition Technical Officers were tasked and declared the object an elaborate hoax.
"I want to thank the local community, in particular those who were directly affected, for their cooperation and assistance as we worked to keep people safe."
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