Prague police detain group accused of planning attack on Slavia fans

Prague police detained approximately 20 people on Aug. 30 after identifying a group they said was preparing to attack Slavia Prague fans marching to Letná Stadium for a derby against Sparta Prague, police said. The group was near the Metronome monument on Letná Square and was preparing to use paving stones in the attack.

Police identified and detained all members of the group, preventing the planned confrontation, according to the research information. Officers also prevented two other potential clashes on Korunovační Street. One person was detained in connection with those incidents for a minor offense.

The match was classified as high-risk, and police deployed a significant operation in Prague. The presence included riot police, K9 units and mounted police. The deployment was intended to ensure the safety of fans and the public, according to the supplied information.

Police had prepared for the derby for several weeks, citing previous incidents as part of that preparation. Those incidents included a May match at Eden Stadium, where Slavia fans stormed the pitch and attacked Sparta players.

The derby between Prague’s two leading football clubs brought supporters toward Letná Stadium, Sparta’s home ground. The police operation focused on the movements of Slavia fans and on preventing confrontations before they reached the stadium.

The supplied information does not identify the people detained near the Metronome monument, state whether charges were filed, or provide further details about the minor offense on Korunovační Street.