Supporters of Slavia Prague sabotaged their own club’s opportunity to secure the Czech league title early, as their pitch invasion forced the abandonment of a crucial derby against Sparta Prague on Saturday.
The 32nd-round match at Slavia’s stadium was tied at 2-2 in stoppage time when Slavia scored a late goal to lead 3-2. With just three minutes remaining in regulation, dozens of home fans breached security, running onto the field with flares and smoke bombs. Players from both teams were forced to flee to the tunnel, but not before Sparta goalkeeper Jakub Surovčík, defender Jakub Martinetz, and forward Matyáš Vojta were attacked by the intruders.
The referee suspended the match immediately. Slavia players later returned to the pitch, but Sparta’s squad refused to continue and left the stadium by bus.
A victory would have given Slavia 77 points, opening an 11-point lead over second-place Sparta with three games left, sealing the championship. Now, the disciplinary committee is expected to award Sparta a 3-0 technical win, reducing Slavia’s lead to just five points with three matches remaining.
“This is the biggest disgrace in my 11 years at the club,” said Slavia chairman Jaroslav Tvrdík, condemning the actions of the fans.
The league will review the incident next week, leaving the title race wide open.