Swedish FA condemns spectator's attempted assault on Osters player during match

Reuters

16-05-2025

May 16 (Reuters) - The Swedish FA issued a statement of condemnation on Friday after a top-tier match between IFK Gothenburg and Osters IF was marred when a spectator attempted to assault an Osters player.
The incident, which led to a temporary halt in the match, has sparked outrage with the FA adding they would review the match delegate's report.
During the league match at Gamla Ullevi stadium, an individual stormed the pitch minutes after visitors Osters scored, attempting to punch defender Sebastian Starke Hedlund from behind.
Hedlund managed to dodge the blow, leading to a pause of about an hour in the match, which was subsequently restarted despite objections from Osters.
"I am very upset. My players are very upset. That we wanted to go home is an understatement," said Osters coach Martin Foyston, adding that his team would have faced a 3-0 loss had they not completed the match as per league rules, which state that a temporarily halted game must be completed within 24 hours.
The Swedish FA said in a statement that it "strongly condemns the serious foul play that occurred during the match ... last night, when a person entered the pitch and attacked a player.
"The Swedish Football Association's legal department is now awaiting the match delegate's report, which will be processed according to current procedures."
Swedish media reported that the perpetrator was detained by security and handed over to police, with an investigation currently underway.
"He will in all likelihood be suspended for a considerable period of time and that will of course also result in an organiser suspension. He will be banned from entering and so on," Jonas Arlmark, IFK Gothenburg's security manager, told Expressen.
In a statement released on Friday, IFK Gothenburg condemned the incident as "beyond the limit and unacceptable."
Osters won the match 1-0, thanks to an own goal by Elis Bishesari.