Helsingborg striker Henrik Larsson faces a police investigation after being accused of punching an opponent during a match, Swedish media reported today.
In the first half of the Swedish Cup quarter-final against Elfsborg yesterday Larsson allegedly jabbed defender Jon Jonsson in the stomach. Jonsson fell to the ground in pain and was unable to continue the game.
A "private person" reported the incident to the police, Swedish papers reported today. The incident went unnoticed by the referee and Larsson went on to score a Helsingborg's second goal.
Helsingborg won the match on penalties after the two teams were level 4-4 after the extra time.
After the match the former Celtic and Barcelona forward told television channel TV4 that he had simply been trying to shake off Jonsson.
Chief prosecutor Sven-Erik Alhem told Helsingborg's prosecutor's office to open a preliminary inquiry, the Swedish daily Expressen reported.
"To me it's obvious... it's important that the norms of society also apply to the sports arenas," Alhem told the paper. "The question is whether it's assault or not...I am one of those who thinks the norms of society apply to everyone."
