Underage ice hockey fans in Tampere organizing secret fights and causing disturbances

An investigation by Finnish public broadcaster Yle reveals that groups of underage ice hockey fans in Tampere are arranging secret brawls and engaging in disruptive behavior, raising concerns among local police.

According to Yle, the problematic groups primarily consist of minors supporting two local teams: Tappara Youth, fans of Tappara, and Vestito di Nero, supporters of Ilves. Police report that these groups have been involved in organized fights, vandalism, and resistance against authorities.

Fights arranged in secret, police struggle to intervene
Police are aware of so-called “forest fights” organized by the groups, often coordinated via messaging apps and held in remote locations outside Tampere, such as Valkeakoski or Hämeenlinna. Authorities say these secretive gatherings, involving 10–20 members from each side, make intervention nearly impossible.

“Before a game, they might arrange to meet somewhere and fight,” a police source told Yle.

The issue gained public attention in February when a match between Ilves and Tappara’s under-18 teams was interrupted after fans lit flares and verbally abused opponents. More recently, six supporters—two of whom were fined for resisting security—were removed from a playoff game on March 6.

Authorities warn of escalating criminal behavior
Commissioner Jani Mäkilä of the Central Finland Police confirmed that while no single group is solely responsible, the phenomenon is part of a broader trend in Finland. He noted that some fan groups encourage minors to smuggle pyrotechnics into games, leading to offenses such as assault, vandalism, and violent resistance against officials.

Social services have also observed an increase in underage involvement, with some already known to authorities. However, Mäkilä emphasized that the majority of fans behave appropriately, and the problems are not limited to supporters of any one team.

Jarkko Koskinen, chair of the Tappara Fan Club, acknowledged the issue, estimating that some active members of Tappara Youth are as young as 12–13 years old. While he has heard reports of organized fights between the groups, he has not personally witnessed such arrangements.