The start of DFK Dainava versus Žalgiris match was delayed by 10 minutes as fans of opposing clubs invaded the pitch almost engaging in a mass brawl.
Those tuning into the broadcast of Dainava Alytus versus Žalgiris match may have been surprised to find that the game did not start at the scheduled time. This was due to an incident involving over-enthusiastic fans who ran out on the pitch, tear-gas from the police, and a narrowly avoided mass brawl with the opposition supporters.
According to the president of the Lithuanian Football Federation, Edgaras Stankevičius, who spoke with sportas.lt about the incident, stated that it was the fans of DFK Dainava Alytus – the famed Dzūkų Tankai ultras – who were the initiators. As a result the LFF disciplinary committee imposed a fine of EUR 3,000.00 on Dainava and a fine of EUR 500.00 on Žalgiris, with both clubs further receiving warnings that they may have to play behind closed doors should fan misbehaviour continue in the upcoming matches.
Observing light security presence in the arena, members of Dzūkų Tankai ran out from their stands and made their way to the opposing fans – the Pietų IV supporters. With police and security swiftly in the fray at that point and tear gas deployed, which also affected the commentators at the scene, it still fell to the managers of both clubs to calm their respective fans down so that the match could take place at all, albeit with a 10 minute delay.
This is not the first time that Dzūkų Tankai found themselves in disciplinary trouble. Last season, Dainava already found themselves playing in front of empty stands due to sanctions against fans twice.
Source: https://www.sportas.lt/naujiena/517999/dainavai-gresia-dar-viena-bauda , https://www.lff.lt/lff-dk-sprendimai-del-savaitgalio-topsport-a-lygos-rungtyniu-marijampoleje/