Police intervention at Gothenburg derby draws 158 complaints to Swedish ombudsmen
Photo: Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

Police intervention at Gothenburg derby draws 158 complaints to Swedish ombudsmen

The Swedish Parliamentary Ombudsmen (JO) have received 158 complaints following a police intervention in the stands during the Allsvenskan derby between Häcken and IFK Göteborg, SVT Nyheter Väst reports.

There are relatively many complaints in this case, says Matilda Häggblom, press officer at the Parliamentary Ombudsmen, to the TV channel.

The incident took place during the Gothenburg derby at Häcken's home ground on November 1, when police entered the away section after pyrotechnics were set off. Chaos broke out in the stands and 15 people were arrested.

The police's actions have been heavily criticized from several quarters.

Many of the complaints to the Parliamentary Ombudsmen concern the police's use of pepper spray, and question whether the operation was proportionate.

"It feels completely absurd to storm in with force over an offence under the Public Order Act and pepper-spray people who are being careful not to cause a commotion," writes one complainant, according to SVT.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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