AC Oulu sets attendance record as flare mars new stadium debut

AC Oulu drew a club-record 5,022 spectators for its first match at its new home stadium, but the opening was marred by a prohibited flare in the fan stand, Yle reported.

AC Oulu CEO Jani Kotikangas estimated that the Finnish Football Association would impose a sanction of between 700 and 1,000 euros. In some cases, the penalty can be higher.

Kotikangas said the incident came as a surprise to the club.

“We are doing everything we can to prevent this from happening. However, the risk increases as more people gather,” he said.

The club reviewed the incident with authorities and the match security staff and also contacted the supporters’ group. Kotikangas said AC Oulu had conveyed its hope that such behaviour would not take root in Oulu.

AC Oulu lost the opening match 2–1 to IF Gnistan.