Police use air-powered projectile launcher on football fans in Helsinki, two arrested

Helsinki police used an air-powered projectile launcher and pepper spray to stop supporters of the HIFK football club in the Oulunkylä district on Sunday evening, public broadcaster Yle reports. Two individuals were detained, with one suspected of assault.

The incident occurred before a rare local derby match in the Finnish Cup between HIFK and Jokerit FC, two of Helsinki’s largest sports clubs. Police had pre-warned fans of potential force if orders were not followed.

According to a police statement, some HIFK supporters failed to comply with instructions, prompting officers to use “exceptional force” to restore order. Authorities assessed that milder measures would not have been effective against the group.

Police initially denied any use of force to Yle, later attributing the miscommunication to incomplete reports from the scene. The fan groups had agreed on a staggered arrival at the stadium, but HIFK supporters allegedly attempted to move earlier than scheduled. Officers intervened to prevent clashes between rival factions.

Two individuals were taken into custody—one for disruptive behavior and another on suspicion of a criminal offense. Several others causing disturbances were removed from the area. Investigations into assault and resisting law enforcement have been launched.

The device deployed, an FN 303 projectile launcher, fires compressed-air projectiles designed to subdue aggressive individuals. Finnish police have used similar tools since 2014, though incidents remain relatively rare. While injuries are typically minor, projectiles striking the head or neck can be fatal.

The match itself, a 5–0 victory for HIFK, proceeded without major interruptions despite an intense atmosphere. Nearly 2,500 spectators attended the first meeting between the clubs in 24 years.