Finnish club FC Haka had one of their stands burnt to the ground after suffering relegation
Top-flight club FC Haka have suffered a fresh blow after relegation – with one of their stands being burned to the ground.
The nine-time Finland champions dropped out of the Veikkausliga top flight in October after a dismal campaign.
And a stand at one end of their Factory Field stadium was destroyed after a fire broke out on Sunday night.
Police have since arrested three teenagers, and a 15-year-old has reportedly confessed to starting the blaze.
The trio are unlikely to face charges as they are below the age for criminal responsibility under Finnish law.
The inferno damaged Haka’s artificial turf pitch as well as destroying the entire contents of the stand.
Haka chairman Marko Larsson fumed: “We certainly didn’t need this – that is clear.
“We have already received a lot of support from people, and we will continue to need it in the future.
“We haven’t yet assessed the cost of the damage, but it is likely to be significant.”
Club chief executive Olli Huttunen added: “This is shocking, when you think about how important the Factory Field is in Finnish football.
“This kind of behaviour, where you don’t care about other people’s property, is outrageous. Unfortunately the world is like that.”
He added: “I didn’t know right away what it was. I have camera surveillance on my computer, I went to look and saw on the screen that the end stand was on fire.
“The frame of the main stand remains, and it will have to be demolished. The procedure is that the authorities and the insurance company will review the situation.
“Once all investigations have been completed, the main stand will have to be demolished.”
Haka have previously met Liverpool, Fulham and Rangers in European competitions.
Police in their home city Valkeakoski have warned locals about speculating online about the causes of the fire.
Detective inspector Maijastiina Tammisto said: “This incident has sparked lively discussion on social media, and strong emotions among city residents.”
