Slavia vs Sparta Prague clash abandoned after fans invade pitch

The match was interrupted in the final moments after fans invaded the pitch.
The match was interrupted in the final moments after fans invaded the pitch.Pavel Mazáč / CNC / Profimedia

The Prague league derby between Slavia and Sparta was interrupted in the seventh minute of stoppage time and eventually abandoned after home fans stormed onto the pitch, with both teams immediately heading to the locker rooms. At the time of the interruption, only a few minutes remained to be played at Eden Stadium, as Slavia led 3-2 and were just seconds away from clinching the title.

Several hundred home supporters, some with smoke bombs, inexplicably ran onto the pitch, forcing referee Karel Roucek to halt and ultimately call off the match.

"It's a disgrace," said Oneplay Sport expert Zdenek Folprecht in the studio. Even some home fans who stayed in their seats agreed, chanting insults at the troublemakers.

The situation escalated further when fans clashed with goalkeeper Jakub Surovcik, who left the field visibly in pain. Out of safety concerns, Sparta decided not to continue, boarded their bus, and left Eden.

Besides Surovcik, Matyas Vojta and a member of Sparta’s medical staff were also reportedly assaulted. "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," Surovcik wrote on his Instagram.

Shocking scenes at Eden.
Shocking scenes at Eden.Pavel Mazáč / CNC / Profimedia

"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," said Jaroslav Tvrdík.

What this means for Slavia is still unclear. Tvrdík admitted that a forfeit is a possibility.

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