Prague derby abandoned after fans storm pitch with Slavia seconds from title | European club football
The derby between Slavia Prague and Sparta Prague was abandoned on Saturday when hundreds of fans stormed the pitch at the Fortuna Stadium, with Slavia leading 3-2 and seconds away from clinching the Czech League title.
Slavia fans broke through security barriers during the stoppage and flooded the pitch; some ran towards the visiting area, carrying burning torches. While players from both teams wanted to leave the field, fireworks were thrown into the stands.
Czech police intervened to restore order and said they were taking criminal action on suspicion of rioting. Sparta goalkeeper Jakub Surovcik was among those targeted by home fans and was struck by a flare, officials confirmed.
In his statement on his social media account, Surovcik said, “It is absolutely unacceptable that someone ran up to me during the match and threatened me in the face. I will pursue this through legal channels.”
The referee then called off the match. Czech media reported that Spartan players feared for their safety and left the stadium a short time later, boarding the team bus and escorted by police.
Slavia president Jaroslav Tvrdik supported the decision to end the competition. Tvrdik described the incident as a “disgrace” and said, “The opponent reported that one or two players were attacked. I think it was legitimate to end the match.”
