An unspecified number of fans clashed in the Töölö district on Thursday, ahead of an annual fixture pitting Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi (HJK) against HIFK Fotboll. The two teams' rivalry dates back more than a century.
In a tweet about an hour before the sold-out 6.30 pm "Stadin Derby" match, police reported that some people had been taken into custody after a confrontation in front of the Töölö football stadium. The venue holds 10,500 people.
Based on preliminary information, police said it appeared that HIFK supporters had attacked those of the opposing club. Police say they were able to quickly stop the fight by using truncheons and pepper spray.
Tense standoff
According to Yle sports reporter Inka Henelius, who was on the scene, the situation came to a head when HJK fans stopped in front of HIFK, who were being held in place by police. This led to shouting and a standoff with neither group moving.
Law enforcement officials had tried to keep the fans' processions apart, but some HIFK supporters slipped through buildings' inner courtyards in order to attack the marching HJK fans, the police told Yle.
After the situation was defused, both groups continued their processions toward the stadium, brandishing torches and waving flags and banners.
HJK, currently leading the premier Veikkausliiga, are strong favourites to win the match over 11th-ranked HIFK. Both teams scored within the first five minutes, with HJK's 19-year-old Colombian player Alfredo Morelos first to hit the net. Esa Terävä soon equalised for HIFK, but in the 12th minute HJK's Nigerian forward Odu made it 2-1 - as it remained until the end of the match.