Police investigate explosive incidents during FC Lahti match in Lahti

Police in Hämeenlinna have launched an investigation into two explosive-related incidents that occurred on Saturday, August 3, during a football league match between FC Lahti and HJK in Lahti. According to police reports, fans from both teams utilized various pyrotechnics, including fireworks, flares, and loud fireworks.

Before the match, FC Lahti supporters marched towards Lahti Stadium, igniting flares, and upon the match’s start, they continued to burn more flares and discharged fireworks within their designated fan area, creating significant smoke around the stands. Fireworks were reportedly shot towards the field as well.

In contrast, HJK supporters detonated several loud fireworks en route to the stadium. During the match, these fans threw bombs, known as “bängere,” onto the pitch, which smoldered on the running track of Lahti Stadium for a brief period.

Both groups of supporters who engaged in throwing and igniting explosives were dressed in balaclavas to obscure their identities from the police.

To prevent violent confrontations, police reported that fans gathered at different restaurants before the match and attempted to march toward each other. Authorities intervened to avert a potential clash. Attempts for another confrontation before reaching the stadium gates were also thwarted by police, who not only ordered fans to disperse but also deployed tear gas to manage the situation.

In light of these events, police deemed the behavior of the fans a significant safety risk both prior to and during the match. The Hämeenlinna police advocate that potentially dangerous matches should not be scheduled on weekends in the future and urge event organizers to consider safety risks more seriously in similar situations.