Europa League game between Malmo and Union Berlin descends into CHAOS as fireworks explode at the side of the pitch and fans set off flares…with players removed for 20 minutes as riot police restore order
- A firework exploded at the feet of the fans and commissioners in the Europa League match
- Play was suspended for 20 minutes after both groups of fans set off flares.
- The riot police intervened to restore order in the stands of the Eleda Stadium
- Union Berlin won the match to collect their first points in the group.
The Europa League match between Malmo and Union Berlin descended into chaos as both groups of fans set off flares before an explosion occurred at the side of the pitch.
Play at the Eleda Stadium was suspended for 20 minutes shortly after the second half began with players being herded to security and riot police entering.
Malmo and Union fans set off flares and fireworks from opposite ends of the stadium. A larger firework then went off near where security personnel were standing in front of Union support.
Television footage showed a lit flare arcing through the air and landing on the pitch while the match was still going on. After the game was stopped, more flares were released.
The official Union Berlin Twitter account posted: ‘Bangers. Rockets onto the pitch from the Union end. The players detached. They ponder around the touchline. The game is temporarily suspended. B*******. I am sorry.’
A large firework launched from the stands exploded at the feet of fans and security personnel as the Malmo vs Union Berlin Europa League game descended into chaos on Thursday night.
Malmo and Union fans set off flares and fireworks as play was suspended for 20 minutes.
After the game they added: ‘This is a disaster. There were at least two rockets from the Union end, at least one large flare from Malmo.
Now it’s a showdown. Nobody knows what will happen.’
A subsequent tweet added: ‘Just to clarify, it’s still not certain they come from the Union bloc. Or what happened, there are question marks everywhere.
“Suddenly it was chaos. We are waiting for more information.
A statement issued by Malmo read: ‘Malmo FF deeply regrets the situation with fireworks thrown and hitting from the away section in connection with our home game against Union Berlin.
A firefighter removes a lit flare from the pitch when the Europa League match was called off
The great noise on the side of the field of play startled the fans, who moved away from danger
Riot police remove a supporter from the stands after chaotic scenes on Thursday night.
“Tonight’s events are something we’ve never been close to before, something that doesn’t belong in our stadium or any stadium in the world and we clearly distance ourselves from the illegal actions of people in the away section who put other people in great danger.” .
‘On Thursday night, we reached out to as many viewers as possible who were close to the events.
Riot police intervened to restore order at the Eleda Stadium following crowd disturbances
Union Berlin’s traveling support celebrate their 1-0 victory in Sweden with another load of flares
It must be safe to go to soccer. The Eleda Stadium must be a safe place to visit. We will continue working for that’.
UEFA is almost certain to launch an investigation into the fan problem, with both clubs potentially facing sanctions.
When play resumed, Union won the match 1–0 thanks to a 68th-minute goal by Sheraldo Becker that saw Andras Schafer sent off earlier.
The result left Malmo pointless and bottom of Group D, while Union is third with three points.
