Written by:Euronews
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A teenager has admitted to starting a fire that destroyed a stand at the stadium of a storied Finnish soccer club, police said Wednesday, although the suspect cannot face criminal charges because of age.
Three minors, all under the age of 15, were present when the fire broke out at the Hakka club’s Tehtan Kenta stadium in Valkiakowski, about 150 kilometers north of Helsinki, on Sunday evening, according to Finland’s Sisa-Suomi police.
Detective Inspector Mayastina Tamisto said in a statement that one of the three admitted to lighting an object that ignited the fire that completely destroyed the final stand and damaged parts of the artificial turf.
The incident is being investigated as arson, although Finnish law exempts anyone under the age of 15 from criminal prosecution.
“However, the absence of criminal liability does not mean freedom from liability for damages,” Tamisto said. “There is no minimum age for liability for compensation in Finland.”
Tamisto urged public restraint over the issue, after the incident sparked harsh reactions on social media.
“Police hope that debate on this matter remains appropriate and reminds people that inappropriate and personal communications can in themselves lead to a criminal investigation,” she said.
The fire broke out at around 8pm on Sunday and quickly spread through the wooden structure that could seat 400 spectators in the 3,200-seat stadium, which was built in 1934.
Marko Laaksonen, president of the Hakka club, said the damage costs had not yet been calculated but would be significant.
He added to the Finnish media: “We certainly did not need that, and that is clear. We have already received a lot of support from people and we will continue to need it in the future.”
The fire comes just weeks after the club – which has won nine Finnish championships and 12 cup titles since its founding in 1934 – was relegated from the Finnish first division “Vikaosliga” to the second division.
The stadium, known as “Factory Field”, is located in the center of Valkiakowski, a town with a population of about 20,000 people, and has been the headquarters of the Hakka club since the 1930s.
The stadium is owned by the city of Valkiakowski, whose representatives said they would look into repairing the stadium as soon as possible.
“We are truly saddened by the Tahtas Stadium fire,” said City Council President Johnny Commander. “Tahtas is a beloved place for Koski residents, and the city is committed to preserving Tahtas Stadium.”
“Our task now is to find out what it takes to return the stadium to playing condition,” he added in a press release published by the Hakka club on Monday.
