The Czech First League derby between Slavia Prague and Sparta Prague descended into chaos as hundreds of home fans stormed the pitch, with goalkeeper Jakub Surovcik reportedly hit in the face by a flare
A fiery football derby in Czechia descended into pandemonium as a mass pitch invasion forced the match to be called off in scenes resembling a battlefield. The fixture between bitter city rivals Slavia Prague and Sparta Prague erupted into disorder when hundreds of home fans flooded onto the pitch during the seventh minute of added time.
One disturbing image showed goalkeeper Jakub Surovcik seemingly being struck in the face with a flare – before he collapsed to the ground.
Slavia Prague were ahead 3-2 against their adversaries and were reportedly mere seconds from securing the league title when the stands at the Eden Stadium emptied.
READ MORE: Reason for Man City case delay suggested as ex-Premier League chief says ‘I question that’READ MORE: ‘He doesn’t let anyone in – I call Gary Neville ‘The Oracle’ as his opinion has to be the truth’
The sudden wave of supporters, many brandishing smoke bombs, left the stadium shrouded in a thick fog of pyrotechnics as the situation descended into chaos.
The referee, Karel Roucek, had little option but to suspend the match before ultimately abandoning it completely as the pitch transformed into a war zone.
The senseless violence drew condemnation from observers. Oneplay Sport expert Zdenek Folprecht raged in the studio: “It’s a disgrace.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Even the Slavia supporters who remained in the stands turned against the troublemakers, jeering the pitch invaders and hurling abuse.
Concerned for their wellbeing, the Sparta squad declined to return to the field, boarding their team coach and departing the stadium straight away.
It wasn’t only Surovcik who suffered the fans’ aggression as his team-mate Matyas Vojta and a member of the Sparta medical staff were also reportedly attacked during the fracas.
Taking to Instagram to express his outrage, Surovcik wrote: “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.”
Slavia chief Jaroslav Tvrdík was left to issue an apology for the dark day in Czech football. Addressing the remaining supporters, he said: “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.”
Slavia now face a nervous wait to discover what punishment they will receive, as Tvrdík conceded that a forfeit remains a distinct possibility.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us – and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
