Slavia Prague have been hit with a 10 million Czech crowns (approximately £357,000) fine, ordered to play four matches behind closed doors, and forced to forfeit their clash against rivals Sparta Prague after the derby was abandoned due to a pitch invasion.
The match on Saturday was suspended in the seventh minute of stoppage time with Slavia leading 3-2 and on the verge of securing the Czech league title. Hundreds of home supporters stormed the pitch at the Fortuna Arena, prompting the Czech Republic’s League Football Association (LFA) to describe the incident as “absolutely unacceptable.”
Slavia Prague chairman Jaroslav Tvrdik previously stated that the club would impose lifetime bans on those involved in the invasion. In a statement, the club said: “We accept the decision of the disciplinary committee with respect and are fully aware of the seriousness of the entire situation and the responsibility associated with organising the match.”
Sparta Prague, who were awarded a 3-0 win, also faced sanctions, receiving a fine of 600,000 Czech crowns (around £21,400) after their fans set off flares and caused damage to the stadium.
As a result of these penalties, Slavia’s lead at the top of the table has been reduced to five points over second-placed Sparta. Slavia are next scheduled to play at home against Jablonec on Wednesday.
Videos on social media following the abandonment showed players from both teams trying to leave the pitch as fans carrying lit flares ran toward the Sparta section and pyrotechnics were thrown into the stands. Sparta goalkeeper Jakub Surovcik appeared to be struck in the face by a flare thrown from close range.
Slavia added in their statement: “Any disruption of the playing field or inappropriate behavior in the stadium is unacceptable. At the same time, we are very sorry for the impact of this decision on tens of thousands of normal and decent fans who have nothing to do with the whole situation.”
