Czech Republic round-up: Sparta champagne on ice
Monday, May 19, 2003
Article summary
AC Sparta Praha's title party was postponed after a linesman was attacked at a game.
Article body
Controversial goal
Referee Jaromír Hlavác stopped the game in the 74th minute when a home supporter jumped over barriers to attack linesman Ladislav Talpa. Moments before, Martin Zboncák had scored to give Sparta a 2-1 lead. The result, as it stood, would have been enough to give Sparta the title while relegating second-from-bottom Bohemians.
Sparta so close
However, league officials are expected to award the points to Sparta when they meet on Friday. If confirmed, the win will move Sparta six points clear of nearest rivals SK Slavia Praha - against whom they have a better head-to-head-record - with two matches to play.
Poborský strikes
The game had started well for Bohemians who needed at least a draw for survival had scored first through Libor Baláz. But Karel Poborský equalised for Sparta who are now on the brink of a 32nd league title.
Slavia in second
Meanwhile, Slavia at least secured second place and entry to the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round as veteran Pavel Kuka's two goals gave them a 2-1 victory at FK Chmel Blšany. Home forward Jan Zemlík scored a consolation five minutes from time.
Parity reigns
Third-placed FK Viktoria Zizkov could only draw 1-1 at home against 1. FC Brno despite having a one-man advantage from the 16th minute following Libor Došek's sending-off. Brno even came from behind to equalise through Milan Pacanda after Viktoria had struck through Ales Pikl.
Own goal
None the less, Viktoria remain four points above FC Slovan Liberec who drew 1-1 away to FC Zlín. Only a last-minute own goal from Zlín's Jaroslav Svach maintained Liberec's chances of pipping Viktoria to the UEFA Cup spot. The home side had led through Bronislav Eervenka.
Late leveller
However, FC Baník Ostrava are out of European contention after a 1-1 draw at relegated SK Hradec Králové. Teenager Václav Sverkos scored his 13th goal of the campaign but home defender Adrian Rolko levelled matters late on.
Dress rehearsal
Elsewhere, SK Sigma Olomouc beat SK Ceské Budéjovice 4-2 with four goals in 15 minutes, while FK Jablonec 97 played out a stalemate with FK Teplice in a dress rehearsal of the Czech Cup final. It was also goalless between FC Príbram and 1. FC Synot.
