CEO of Kuopio Palloseura Tomi Erola himself saw on Saturday how smoke and flares flew during the match between KuPS and HJK.
CEO of Kuopio Palloseura Tomi Erola considers the disorder in Saturday’s KuPS–HJK match very unpleasant and dangerous.
Some spectators had brought pyrotechnic products, such as torches, to Kuopio’s central field. Before the start of the match, smoke spread from the stands to the field. At the end of the match, at least one torch was thrown from the stands onto the field, from where it was thrown back into the stands.
The police have received two criminal reports about the events. The incidents are being investigated as a suspected explosive crime, causing danger and careless handling. Suspects are supporters of both teams.
– It’s really unfortunate that something like this happens. Until now, especially the KuPS supporters have behaved very matter-of-factly, and nothing like this has happened, Erola commented.
According to preliminary reports by the police, no one was injured due to the pyrotechnic products. The danger is still obvious, emphasizes Erola as well.
– It’s life-threatening. Such a torch is hundreds of degrees hot when burning and can cause lifelong damage to someone.
Possible damages are being investigated
According to the police, it can be a case of damage if the events have caused damage to the football stadium. At least no information about the damage has reached Erola’s ears yet.
– We have to find out if the Field Nurses have noticed anything, says Erola.
Erola was naturally watching the championship match and noticed for herself that at the beginning of the game, a solid smoke was spreading from KuPS supporters just before the start of the match.
– Of course I noticed that after the match, torches were flying from the direction of HJK. The party was going on then, so I didn’t follow the situation so closely. But of course I am aware that smoke and flares have been flying.
The KuPS-HJK match was watched by a record audience, more than 8,500 spectators. KuPS secured the Finnish championship with a 1–0 win.