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Rabat – Slavia Prague’s chairman has promised lifetime bans for hundreds of supporters who invaded the pitch during Saturday’s derby against Sparta Prague, forcing the match to be abandoned in stoppage time.
The incident, which included an assault on a Sparta player, has thrown the Czech league title race into turmoil.
Slavia were leading 3-2 at the Fortuna Arena when fans stormed the field in the seventh minute of added time.
Many carried flares and moved toward the away section, where Sparta supporters were located.
Pyrotechnics were launched, creating dangerous scenes that left players sprinting off the pitch for safety.
On Sunday, Slavia confirmed that one fan had already been banned for life after attacking Sparta goalkeeper Jakub Surovcik.
Television footage showed liquid being thrown into his face. Surovcik later wrote on social media that the assault was “absolutely unacceptable” and vowed to pursue legal action.
Club chairman issues apology and sanctions
Club chairman Jaroslav Tvrdik described the events as “a disgrace that we all bear.” He apologized to Sparta and said every supporter who entered the pitch would be identified and banned permanently.
Tvrdik also announced that the north stand of the stadium, where the invasion began, would remain closed until all perpetrators are brought before criminal authorities, even if that closure lasts the entire 2026-27 season.
Tvrdik added that Slavia players Tomas Chory and David Doudera, both sent off during the match, would not play for the club again.
They have been removed from the squad and approved for summer transfers.
Sparta responded with a statement saying the incident was not isolated but the result of long‑term hostility toward their club.
They stressed that players, staff, and fans must not fear for their safety at matches and pledged full cooperation with authorities.
The Czech League Football Association (LFA) condemned the violence, calling it “completely unacceptable” and incompatible with professional football.
The LFA said physical attacks on players cross the line and promised to work with police to identify offenders.
Title race now in jeopardy
Slavia had entered the derby eight points clear of Sparta with four rounds left. A win would have secured the title.
Instead, the abandonment has left their position uncertain. Tvrdik admitted the club expects the disciplinary committee to award the victory to Sparta, which would cut the gap to five points with three games remaining.
Slavia return to action on Wednesday against Jablonec, while Sparta host Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday.
The fallout from Saturday’s chaos means the title race is now wide open, with disciplinary decisions likely to shape the outcome.
