Two arrested for peace officer assault at Canada vs Bosnia World Cup match

Toronto police arrested two men “associated with a Bosnian fan group” during Canada’s 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup on Friday. The Toronto Police Service confirmed in a statement that the two men, of Germany and aged 25 and 27, were both arrested and charged for assaulting a peace officer after forces were called to an altercation in the stands at the Toronto Stadium around 2.20pm local time on Friday afternoon. The Toronto Police Association warned on X: “We’re glad you’re here to enjoy the World Cup but please do so safely. “Never put your hands on a police officer. They will arrest you. You will be charged. Our holding cells do not have TVs. You will miss the game you came to enjoy.” Two fans were arrested at Friday's match (Getty) It proved to be a historic afternoon for Canada as the co-hosts earned their first ever World Cup point. They fell behind in the first half when Jovo Lukic put Bosnia ahead in the 21st minute, as he found the net from close range. However, Canada struck back with 12 minutes remaining, as Cyle Larin turned and fired home to send the home crowd, which included Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers, wild. Canada are due to return to action on Thursday 18 June when they face Qatar before concluding their group stage campaign against Switzerland on 24 June. Meanwhile, Bosnia are scheduled to face Switzerland on 18 June ahead of taking on Qatar six days later. Friday’s match was also overshadowed by hundreds of empty seats being spotted around the ground amid a row over ticket prices at this summer’s World Cup. There were also thousands of empty seats visible at Thursday’s game between South Korea and Czechia in Guadalajara. However, Fifa issued a defiant statement on Friday, as football’s governing body defended its attendance figures. The statement read: “Official attendance figures reflect the number of tickets scanned and spectators present within the stadium footprint, rather than visual assessments of seating occupancy at any given moment during the match. Fifa works closely with stadium authorities and ticketing teams to ensure all published figures are based on verified operational data. “Please note that, during last night’s match in Guadalajara, several ticketed fans could be seen standing in concourses rather than staying in their assigned seats throughout the match.”