The Stockholm derby between AIK and Djurgården was paused in the first half after a fire broke out in the AIK supporter section. The fire was extinguished without injuries and play resumed after a few minutes. The incident occurred after AIK had reduced the score to 1-2, according to multiple reports.
Several loud bangs were heard in quick succession before flames and smoke appeared. Spectators and staff worked together to extinguish the fire, reports said. AIK's security manager Henrik Koch confirmed that no injuries occurred.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and it is unclear whether any individuals were identified or detained for using pyrotechnics. The interruption lasted only a few minutes, and the match resumed under the supervision of match officials and security personnel. The quick response from those in the stands and on the ground prevented what could have been a more serious incident.
My initial feeling was that it was not intentional.
Later, before the second half, AIK supporters used pyrotechnics, causing another interruption one minute into the second half. Players went to the dressing rooms during this stoppage. Match delegate Hans Larsson said that a match meeting was held due to the pyrotechnics, as required by regulations.
He described the meeting as efficient, and play resumed after receiving a green light from police and organizers. The second interruption lasted longer than the first, as officials assessed the situation and ensured that safety measures were in place. TV4 expert Irma Helin Zibanejad, speaking to Fotbollskanalen, said her initial feeling was that the fire was not intentional.
The match was able to continue without further interruptions, but the events raised questions about safety protocols in Swedish football. The Swedish Football Association is expected to review the incidents as part of its standard post-match procedures.