FC Lahti tightens match security after flare incidents – games to be halted if violations occur

Finnish top-tier football club FC Lahti will implement stricter security measures in its home matches starting Saturday, following incidents involving illegal pyrotechnic flares, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The club will increase the number of stewards, enhance security checks, and isolate the fan section to prevent the movement of banned items between stands. Future matches will be immediately suspended if similar safety violations occur.

Markus Mujunen, FC Lahti’s commercial director, confirmed the measures follow police instructions after flares were ignited in the fan section during a match last week, disrupting spectators and creating safety hazards due to heavy smoke.

“We have zero tolerance for any pyrotechnics,” Mujunen stated. “The organiser is responsible for ensuring no danger arises for spectators, players, or bystanders.”

Police have filed a criminal report for explosives offences and are investigating the incident. Mujunen acknowledged that while flare use is not new in football, the club is systematically tightening security in collaboration with police and fan groups.

Discussions are also underway with Finland’s Veikkausliiga and the Football Association to establish nationwide protocols for handling such incidents, including clarifying who—referees, police, or club officials—has authority to halt matches. Uncertainty over these procedures contributed to last week’s failures, Mujunen noted.

Match interruptions pose logistical challenges, potentially affecting critical game moments, extending playtime, or requiring stadium evacuations. In extreme cases, matches may need to be replayed entirely.

“We want football to be safe for everyone,” Mujunen said. “These are new challenges for all of us, and we must define clear rules.”