Last updated on .From the section European Football

Gothenburg are 18-time champions of Sweden

IFK Gothenburg's home match with Malmo in Sweden's top flight was abandoned when a firework exploded under the feet of a substitute.

Malmo winger Tobias Sana, 26, was warming up at the Gamla Ullevi stadium when the device bounced under his feet.

Former Gothenburg player Sana reacted by throwing a corner flag at home fans.

Players from both teams were taken off the pitch by the referee with the score 0-0 with 12 minutes remaining on Wednesday in the Allsvenskan fixture.

A decision to abandon the game was made after security in the ground could not be guaranteed.

"Now that I've gotten over the shock, I feel it was the stupidest decision of my life," Sana said on Thursday about his actions.

"There are many young people who look up to me so I really want to apologise."

Gothenburg posted an apology on their website external-link directed at Malmo, match officials and the spectators.

The club could face sanctions from the Swedish football association's disciplinary committee.

"I heard the banger, I looked over and saw Tobias Sana bend down," said referee Jonas Eriksson.

"After that it went quickly, I blew the whistle and got the players in directly."

Gothenburg are seventh in the league with Malmo in sixth.