Although little is known about the attacker – or the reason behind the attack so far – it will send a chill down the spine of football authorities worldwide.
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The first division football game between clubs Jonkopings Sodra and Ostersunds in Sweden was abandoned after the visiting goalkeeper was attacked by an invader, local media has reported.
A security steward managed to tackle the masked man to the ground.
Footage from the match shows Keita running from his penalty area when he sees a fan pursuing him, then lying on the pitch about 30 metres from his goal after being struck.
The referee abandoned the game in the 90th minute with the score at 1-1.
Police also searched the spectator stands after the attacker claimed to have planted a bomb – but they found nothing.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper said he had been struck in the temple by the pitch invader, and was clearly shaken by the incident, per BBC Sport: “I am shocked and angry”.
Jonkoping police commander Peter Nordengard said: “He is under arrest, we have informed the prosecutor of the arrest and interviews will be conducted with him about the suspected breaches of the law”.
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The match could stands as is as a 1-1 draw of Ostersund could be awarded a 3-0 forfeit win if it’s determined that Sodra is shown to be negligent in their security for the match.
