The fallout from Sunday’s heated derby between Sparta and Slavia Prague extends beyond the pitch, with reports of both on-field incidents involving players and significant damage caused by fans at Slavia’s Eden Arena. While Sparta currently holds a strong position in the Czech First League title race, the club is now facing scrutiny over the behavior of its supporters.
Images circulating online, and reported by Deník.cz, show extensive damage to facilities within the visiting supporters’ section of Eden Arena. The destruction includes a ripped-off sink and heavily soiled toilets, alongside graffiti and markings associated with the “Ultras Sparta” fan group. Authorities are investigating, but identifying the individuals responsible is proving difficult due to the absence of security cameras in the affected areas.
Police are investigating the incident. “We are, of course, aware of the incident. The stadium owner is currently assessing the damage. We are currently awaiting further steps,” police spokesperson Eva Kropáčová told Deník.cz. The financial cost of the damage is currently being calculated.
The “Ultras Sparta” group has issued a statement distancing itself from the vandalism, while also condemning the actions of those responsible. In a Facebook post, the group stated it would “clearly demonstrate our dissatisfaction with their behavior” if individuals are identified as being involved in the destruction of property. They also requested information leading to the identification of the perpetrators.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of fan violence in Czech football. In 2023, Sparta fans reportedly set fire to a section and vandalized toilets during an away match against Baník Ostrava in Vítkovice. Last year, Slavia supporters caused significant damage, including injuries to two spectators, during a visit to Viktoria Plzeň’s stadium. Both incidents resulted in record fines of 600,000 Czech crowns (approximately $26,000 USD as of March 11, 2026) from the League Football Association’s disciplinary committee.
Beyond the stadium, clashes also occurred between supporters in the streets surrounding Eden Arena following the derby. Police reported arresting seven individuals and issuing a fine to one young fan. Hundreds of police officers from traffic, order, and criminal police units were deployed to maintain order during and after the match.
“After Sparta fans left the stadium at Eden, two clashes broke out almost simultaneously. The more serious one was near entrance number 4,” explained police spokesperson Kropáčová. Special riot police and mounted police were deployed to control the situation. Six individuals were detained for disobeying police orders and taken into custody.
The incidents come amidst ongoing scrutiny of fan behavior in the Czech First League. Jan Kuchta, the Sparta Prague forward reportedly involved in an altercation during the halftime break of the derby, adds another layer of controversy to the match. While details of that incident are still emerging, it underscores the heightened tensions surrounding this historically fierce rivalry. Kuchta, who currently plays for Sparta Prague on loan from Midtjylland, has been a key player for the club, having previously had stints with Slavia Prague and Lokomotiv Moscow. He currently has 6 goals in 18 appearances for Sparta this season, according to Transfermarkt.
Sparta Prague will next face Bohemians 1905 on March 15th in a crucial league match. The club will undoubtedly be under pressure to address the behavior of its supporters and prevent further incidents. Fans can follow updates on the club’s official website and social media channels.
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