The police in the region of Central Finland have launched a pre-investigation into an incident that occurred during a U18 outdoor hockey match between two local teams, Ilves and Tappara. The match took place last Saturday at Koulukatu field, and the investigation focuses specifically on the use of flares by fans during the game. Reports indicate that approximately 20 flares were lit in the stands at two different times during the first period of the match, prompting concerns over the safety and behavior of attendees.

During the game, fans from Ilves were reportedly involved in inappropriate chanting, leading to the game being temporarily halted during the second period and subsequently moved to Hakametsä Arena for safety reasons. This interruption brought attention to the crowd's behavior, and authorities are now assessing the situation. Notably, the police initiated the investigation independently without any formal complaints from affected individuals, suggesting a proactive approach to ensuring public safety at sporting events.

In response to the event, Ilves has publicly apologized for the actions of its fans and expressed its willingness to impose consequences for inappropriate behavior. The club's commitment to address and mitigate such issues reflects a broader concern about fan conduct in sports, highlighting the need for measures to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all attendees, especially in youth sports settings.