Fears of riots ahead of Prague football derby

Aktuálně.cz sport news reporters
31. 3. 2008 8:00
Ultras allegedly plan to vandalize Strahov stadium
A fan entered the pitch during the UEFA Cup game between AC Sparta Prague and Spartak Moscow last year
A fan entered the pitch during the UEFA Cup game between AC Sparta Prague and Spartak Moscow last year | Foto: Ondřej Besperát

Prague - Today's Prague football derby between SK Slavia Prague and AC Sparta Prague that is taking place at Strahov stadium is likely to be sold out.

The match is expected to have a great atmosphere, but there is also a possibility of rioting from the fans of both teams.

"We are informed about a circulating appeal among the fans to celebrate the last derby at Strahov stadium by destroying the stadium facilities," said Ondřej Zlámal, manager for communication of Slavia Prague.

Zlámal assured that the club's management is not underestimating the situation and plans to undertake extensive security measures in cooperation with the police.

Greater police presence

"I would like to warn all these individuals that if any such activities will take place, the match will be stopped immediately and respective parts of the stadium [with disruptive fans] cleared out," said Zlámal.

He added: "To be specific, Sparta supporters are expected to be behind this. There is no activity arranged between the two groups of fans. We communicate on a regular basis with our ultras and we believe in the victory of common sense."

Slavia goalkeeper Martin Vaniak can compare the atmosphere of the most famous Czech derby with matches in Greece, where he played in Panionios Athens football club in the 2005/06 season.

"Of course, derbies in Greece are frenzied as well, be it Panathinaikos, Olympiakos or AEK Athens. There is one specific rule though, that host fans are not allowed in the stadium at all," explained the goalkeeper.

On Monday, the stadium and the surrounding area will be controlled by two or three times higher number of policemen than usual.

"We know about you"

Zlámal remembers the previous derbies at Strahov that were marked by vandalism as well.

"We are not saying there is going to be a thousand of such people, but we don't want to underestimate the situation. Our fans have assured us that no such activities will take place in their sectors. But even they will be submitted to the strictest security measures," he assured. 

"We want to make sure those people understand: we know about you, and if something happens, expect a fierce reaction," concluded Zlámal. 

Return from the exile

The ongoing derby will be a home match for Slavia, although Strahov stadium, situated on Petřín hill close to the center of the city, is rather "exile" than a real home for the club, whose roots are traditionally on the other side of theVltava river in the Vršovice quarter.

In 2000, Slavia left its home Eden stadium in Vršovice and moved to Strahov. The new arena that has replaced the old Eden stadium that will begin hosting games this year. Thus, this year's derby is going to be the last one that take place at the Strahov stadium, not much liked by fans, especially due to bad access possibilities.

 

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