Clashes erupt between football ultras in Lahti

A group armed with flares attacked the terrace of a bar frequented by FC Lahti supporters in Lahti on Saturday, ahead of a Veikkausliiga match against HJK. Police detained 48 people on suspicion of assault; no serious injuries were reported.

Both clubs condemned the violence, which follows a pattern of clashes between HJK and FC Lahti ultras. In August 2024, Lahti police investigated explosive offences linked to football fans and deployed gas to prevent brawls between the same groups.

A Finnish Football Association (Palloliitto) estimate from last autumn places the number of hardline fans in Finland at 200–300, with a subset involved in violence. Incidents have been concentrated around matches involving HJK and FC Lahti, as well as HJK and HIFK in Helsinki, according to association chair Ari Lahti.

An earlier investigation by Yle’s MOT programme found that some members of HJK’s Usual Suspects Helsinki and HIFK’s Inferno ultras groups have convictions for violent crimes. The groups have also included known neo-Nazis. Two far-right activists linked to HIFK’s ultras, including Jesse Mattsson, were suspected in a bar attack in Helsinki’s Töölö district last October.

FC Lahti’s security chief Kimmo Härkönen said the club had planned security for Saturday’s match since spring, yet some flares were still smuggled into the stadium.