Slavia Prague ordered to forfeit derby with Sparta as stadium closes for four matches

[p]The association also fined [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/sparta-prague/6qA358jH/"]Sparta ‌Prague[/a] 600,000 Czech crowns after their fans set off flares ‌and damaged the stadium. The financial penalty for [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/slavia-prague/viXGgnyB/"]Slavia[/a] - who [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/slavia-prague-viXGgnyB/sparta-prague-6qA358jH/?mid=zucM8nmD"]forfeited the match 3-0[/a] - represented the maximum amount under league rules.[/p][p][b]"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," [/b]Slavia said ​in a statement.[/p][embed guid="a7b2359c-9ac0-4ec1-a035-da2b583b3532" url="https://x.com/slaviaofficial/status/2054159714175291598" social-type="twitter" /][p]The melee on Saturday generated global headlines after video clips of Slavia fans ​launching flares and attacking Sparta players went viral. Slavia chairman Jaroslav Tvrdik called the incident a disgrace and said ⁠the club would ​close the North Tribune where the diehard supporters sit indefinitely.[/p][p]Slavia also suspended striker [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/chory-tomas/EgGI8vM6/"]Tomas Chory[/a] and midfielder [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/doudera-david/pr09Lnhk/"]David Doudera[/a] for the remainder of the season for their actions ‌during the match in which both received red cards and said neither would play for the Czech champions again.[/p][p]The derby was abandoned after hundreds of home fans stormed the pitch in the closing minutes, when hosts Slavia were leading 3-2 and were seconds away from clinching the Czech League title.[/p][p]Slavia supporters breached security barriers during stoppage time and flooded the field, with some carrying ‌lit flares and running toward the visiting section. Pyrotechnics ​were thrown into the stands as players from ‌both teams attempted to leave the pitch.[/p][p]Czech police intervened to restore order and said they have launched criminal proceedings on suspicion of rioting. Authorities also confirmed that Sparta goalkeeper [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/surovcik-jakub/fwXhJa0F/"]Jakub Surovcik[/a] was among those ⁠targeted by home fans ⁠and was struck by ‌a flare.[/p]