Zimbabwe international Matthew Rusike’s Sweden top flight side Helsinborg were relegated at the weekend following a play-off loss to Halmstad.
The seven-time Sweden champions lost the play-off 3-2 on aggregate and will now drop to the second tier Superettan division for next season for the first time in 23 years.
This is Rusike’s second relegation in Swedish football after he went down with Halmstad last season before joining Helsinborg in January this year.
The former Kaizer Chiefs forward had a modest season with the club after scoring three times in 25 appearances.
Meanwhile, ugly scenes followed Helsingborg’s relegation as their manager Henrik Larsson and his son, Jordan, were confronted at the final whistle by their own supporters.
The former Celtic and Manchester United striker has been manager of Helsingborg since November 2014. His son also plays for the club as a striker.
Helsingborg conceded two quickfire goals in the final three minutes, after Jordan Larsson had scored to give them the lead in the 82nd minute.
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 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.” Daily news