Football pitch on fireplace as referee and gamers flee match in ‘unacceptable’ chaos
A football match descended into chaos when the pitch was set on fire by hooligans as the referee led both sets of players away from the blaze
A referee was forced to lead two teams off a football pitch after a fire in a goalmouth as a game descended into utter chaos.
IFK Norrkoping squared off with Orgryte IS during the Allsvenskan relegation/promotion match in Sweden over the weekend. Orgryte IS, who were looking to earn promotion to Sweden’s top tier, had won the first leg three-nil at home – leading to tension from the Norrkoping fans, who continually disrupted the clash throughout the first-half.
And during the second half things got even worse when furious hooligans set fire to the turf as the match had to be halted amid frightening scenes captured in these staggering images.
Just seven minutes after kick-off, some fans attempted to destroy a fence, while pyrotechnics were launched onto the pitch as the referee was forced to stop the clash on several occasions as discussions were held if the game should be abandoned.
Orgryte fans were no saints, as some away supporters were thrown out of the stadium.
However, the most shocking moment came in the 86th minute when a flare thrown onto the pitch caused the artificial pitch to set alight. The referee immediately hauled both sets of players down the tunnel.
Stewards were quickly tasked with fighting the fire as one of the goal nets was burned in the flames. Amazingly, the game was restarted, but quickly stopped again due to more fireworks.
It would end 0-0, with Norrkoping relegated and Orgryte booking their spot in next season’s Allsvenskan.
IFK director Andre Skagervik said after the game: “This is of course completely unacceptable. Even if it is a minority, it is incredibly sad.”
In a statement the club added: “We would like to strongly condemn the throwing of bangers and pyrotechnics in connection with tonight’s match.
“As the organizer, IFK Norrkoping is responsible for the safety of our arena and this behaviour from certain individuals is completely unacceptable.
“It is not only a violation of the law but also associated with danger to the audience, players and officials.
“IFK Norrkoping will, as always, cooperate with authorities and other parties to identify the individuals and take action.”
