Prague derby abandoned after pitch invaders attack Sparta goalkeeper
The Czech First League derby between Slavia Prague and Sparta Prague was abandoned on Sunday after hundreds of home fans stormed the pitch and attacked opposition players.
The chaotic scenes erupted at the Eden Stadium during the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time.
The hosts were leading 3-2 and sat mere seconds away from securing the domestic league title when supporters flooded onto the playing surface.
Flare strikes Sparta goalkeeper
The situation quickly escalated as pitch invaders confronted the visiting players amidst a thick fog of pyrotechnic smoke.
Jakub Surovcik was reportedly struck in the face by a flare before collapsing to the ground during the violent confrontation.
The young shot-stopper later confirmed he intends to take legal action following the terrifying ordeal.
“To have someone run up to me during the match, threaten me to my face, and attack me is absolutely unacceptable. I will pursue this legally.”
Away squad flee the stadium
Referee Karel Roucek was forced to immediately suspend proceedings as the pitch was overrun by hooligans.
Matyas Vojta and a member of the visiting medical staff were also reportedly assaulted during the terrifying melee.
Fearing for their safety, the away squad refused to return to the pitch and swiftly departed the venue on their team coach.
Many remaining home supporters voiced their disgust at the troublemakers by loudly jeering the pitch invaders.
Slavia face potential forfeit
Following the abrupt cancellation of the fixture, the hosts now face severe disciplinary action and a potential points deduction.
Jaroslav Tvrdik, the club chairman, issued a public apology to the remaining crowd and admitted a forfeit is highly likely.
“I’m truly sorry to say this, because I thought we would celebrate the title together.”
“But things turned out differently, as two Sparta players were physically attacked. The opponent has already left the stadium, and the match officials, security, and police have decided to end the game.”
The club hierarchy now faces an anxious wait to discover the full extent of the sporting and legal sanctions resulting from the violence.