Violent Attack by Ice Hockey Ultras in Vaud Triggers Criminal Investigation

Public prosecutors in the canton of Vaud are investigating a violent assault at Prilly-Malley railway station following an ice hockey match between Lausanne and Fribourg-Gottéron, where perpetrators face up to five years in prison. The attack on 24 October resulted in severe injuries to two spectators waiting for their train home after Lausanne's home victory.

According to details released by the West Swiss public broadcaster RTS, the incident began around 10:45 p.m. as buses carrying Fribourg supporters departed the arena under police escort. Near Prilly-Malley station, a group of ultras forced the driver of the second bus to stop and open the vehicle's doors. Approximately twenty masked men then rushed out toward the platform and targeted Lausanne supporters. Two victims required hospitalisation for serious injuries, while the assailants fled the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement.

Vaud public prosecutor Bernard Dénéréaz confirmed the opening of criminal proceedings on charges of assault. The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment or a fine, with Dénéréaz noting that foreign nationals convicted in the case would face mandatory expulsion from Switzerland. Prosecutor Dénéréaz stated that violent incidents of this nature have increased over the past four to five years, prompting authorities to bolster investigative resources. A dedicated task force comprising members of the Vaud cantonal police and Lausanne criminal police now attends risk matches, supported by four prosecutors on call at the stadium to conduct immediate questioning and mandate initial investigative steps.

Commentator Cyril Pasche, a journalist with Tamedia and former professional hockey player, told RTS that the attack targeted peaceful spectators rather than rival ultra factions, representing a shift from previous violence. Legal precedents in the region include a 2021 ruling where football ultras from Grasshopper Club Zürich received three-and-a-half-month unsuspended prison terms for rioting at FC Lausanne's venue, a decision subsequently upheld by the Federal Supreme Court. In response to the Prilly-Malley assault, Fribourg-Gottéron issued stadium bans against leaders of two ultra groups and prohibited banners featuring their imagery. Lausanne General Director Chris Wolf confirmed that further bans would follow the completion of official inquiries, while announcing mandatory identity checks for fans attending upcoming home games against Fribourg.

Both hospitalised victims were discharged last week as authorities continue their work to identify the perpetrators. The investigation by Vaud law enforcement remains ongoing.

Written by Andreas Hofer andreas.hofer@alpineweekly.com