Sparta Prague received a 600 tisíc CZK fine from the LFA disciplinary committee following crowd disturbances at the derby against Slavia Prague, according to a LFA communique released Thursday. The punishment marks the third financial penalty issued to the club in connection with matches against their primary rival.
LFA Discipline Committee Issues Fines Over Pyro and Banned Banners at Derby
The disciplinary committee convened at the LFA headquarters in Prague’s Libeň district to address incidents from the derby match between the Prague “S” clubs. Despite strict prohibitions, both fan bases ignited pyrotechnics, forcing officials to delay kickoff by approximately two minutes due to thick smoke in the stadium, according to the official statement.
Sparta Prague, acting as the home host, absorbed the heaviest financial penalty at 600 tisíc CZK. Committee Chairman Jiří Matzner stated that the use of launcher pyrotechnics is viewed as an exceptionally serious offense that creates significant safety risks in crowded stands. He noted that the devices appeared in unprecedented quantities within the home sector.
“Given the dimensions of these devices and their number, it is therefore evident that there was a fundamental failure in the checks at the stadium and the security of the given sector,” Matzner said in the LFA communique.
Sport Minister Boris Šťastný (Motoristé) suggested that utilizing pyrotechnics inside stadiums could soon be classified as a criminal offense. Beyond the smoke devices, Sparta faces penalties for a banner reading “RIP general” featuring a Serbian flag displayed in the home ultra section, which referenced deceased war criminal Ratko Mladić.
“We also consider other expressions of some home fans to be unacceptable,” Matzner stated regarding the banner supporting a person criminally convicted of war crimes and genocide. He added that the display went entirely beyond what society can tolerate.
Antisemitic Chants Draw Condemnation Despite Pre-Match Warnings
The disciplinary panel also addressed traditional antisemitic chants heard during the match, specifically the use of the phrase “jude Slavie.” Sparta management had explicitly warned its supporters to avoid the chant prior to kickoff.
“We take an equally unambiguous stance on mass chants with antisemitic content,” Matzner said. “All the more incomprehensible is their use at a time when the club itself directly called on its fans before the match to refrain from similar behavior. These supporters must be aware that by such behavior they are damaging their own club and exposing it to sanctions.”
Rival club Slavia Prague also faced punishment for supporter conduct during the fixture, receiving a 40 tisíc CZK fine, according to the LFA disciplinary decisions.
Baník Ostrava Penalized for Pyro-Induced Delay Against Olomouc
Outside of the capital derby, Baník Ostrava absorbed a 300 tisíc CZK fine for fan pyrotechnics during a home match against Olomouc. Supporters in the home sector ignited smoke devices in quantities that overwhelmed stadium ventilation efforts.
“The amount of pyrotechnics used in the match with Olomouc escalated to extraordinary proportions, and even the fans did not prevent the match from having to be interrupted for almost six minutes,” Matzner explained in the LFA release.
Did you know?
The League Football Association (LFA) manages professional football leagues in the Czech Republic, overseeing disciplinary actions, league rules, and competition security standards across top-tier clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total fine issued to Sparta Prague by the LFA?
Sparta Prague received a fine of 600 tisíc CZK for pyrotechnics, security failures, banners, and chants during the derby against Slavia Prague.
Why was the start of the Prague derby delayed?
Kickoff was delayed by approximately two minutes because thick smoke from unauthorized pyrotechnics deployed by fans obscured the pitch.
What penalties were given to Slavia Prague and Baník Ostrava?
Slavia Prague was fined 40 tisíc CZK for fan behavior, while Baník Ostrava received a 300 tisíc CZK fine after fan pyrotechnics caused a nearly six-minute match interruption against Olomouc.
Who heads the LFA disciplinary committee?
Jiří Matzner serves as the chairman of the LFA disciplinary committee.
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