Helsingborg’s manager Henrik Larsson and his son, Jordan, were confronted at the final whistle by their own supporters after being relegated from the Swedish first division for the first time in 23 years. The former Celtic and Manchester United striker has been manager of Helsingborg, the seven-time domestic champions, since November 2014. His son also plays for the club as a striker.
Helsingborg were defeated 2-1 at home by Halmstad before the unsavoury scenes developed. Helsingborg were relegated after conceding two quickfire goals in the final three minutes, after Jordan Larsson had scored to give them the lead in the 82nd minute.
O #Helsingborg,clube histórico e com enorme palmarés na Suécia,desceu de divisão pela 1ª vez na história e os adeptos visaram os jogadores.. pic.twitter.com/4XbcrXGZYy
— Fair Play (@FairPlaypt) November 20, 2016
Following the final whistle Larsson Jr, 19, was manhandled by supporters who ran on to the pitch, most of whom had their faces covered by scarves and balaclavas, with some attempting to pull the shirt off his back. Stewards then attempted to move fans off the field and remove flares, before dragging Jordan Larsson away.
The 45-year-old Helsingborg manager then proceeded towards the supporters, appearing ready to defend himself.
Larsson played for Helsingborg in 1992, helping them win promotion into the top flight, and towards the end of his career, between 2006-09. “I didn’t see that they attacked Jordan but if I had, I would have gone in there towards him,” Larsson Sr said afterwards. “I was not going to run from there. If they turn on me, they turn on me. I had been beaten.”
He added that he “has many dogs at home” if any fans considered coming to his house.
After the final whistle, Helsingborg’s official Twitter account praised the club’s “fantastic supporters.”
Henrik Larsson attacked by Helsingborgs fans after being relegated for the first time in 23 years. Pretty surreal. pic.twitter.com/Lm9wcB9bzt
— Andy Ha (@_AndyHa) November 20, 2016
- This article was amended on 21 November 2016 to remove references to “away supporters”. The people in question were supporters of Helsingborg, who were playing at home.
