Fans clash at Finnish football derby in Vaasa

Police intervened after supporters of rival teams fought during a top-tier Finnish league match in Vaasa on Friday evening, reports Yle.

Fans of both home side VPS and visiting team FF Jaro set off banned pyrotechnics in the stands during the Veikkausliiga derby. Authorities are investigating the incident as reckless handling of pyrotechnic devices, which can carry a prison sentence of up to six months.

The situation escalated into physical confrontations between supporters, requiring multiple police patrols and security staff to restore order. Officers detained several individuals, and one spectator was found in possession of suspected narcotics. No serious injuries were reported.

The match, a regional derby between the two Ostrobothnian clubs, took place at Vaasa’s Hietalahden stadion.