Clash between Brøndby and FC Copenhagen fans marred preparations for derby in Denmark

On Sunday at noon, Brøndby IF will face FC Copenhagen in a highly anticipated match. However, a clash occurred on Saturday evening outside Glostrup Bodega, where fans from both teams engaged in a brawl. The bar’s manager, Kir Krog, expressed frustration over the damages, stating, “We need a glazier because we have no windows left. There’s a garden door and one small window intact; everything else is smashed. This is unacceptable.”

The last meeting between Brøndby and FC Copenhagen saw a 7-Eleven store looted and fireworks shot at police. Today’s match at Brøndby Stadium marks the first encounter since crowd disturbances on September 1st. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard is set to monitor fan behavior closely, noting, “We cannot continue to have 160-170 police officers on duty for each major football match in Denmark.” He highlighted that 149 police injuries have been recorded over the last decade during these events, primarily involving officers from the Greater Copenhagen area.

Hummelgaard warned that if violence persists, banning spectators at certain matches could be considered, which he believes would harm Danish football. In preparation for the high-risk game, the police will hold FC Copenhagen fans at the stadium for up to an hour post-match to prevent confrontations.

DSB has arranged special trains with staff trained in conflict resolution to assist fans. Decisions about closing shops near the stadium will be made in consultation with police. Fan groups from Brøndby and FC Copenhagen released a joint statement urging fans to behave responsibly and refrain from provocations. They noted, “The derby thrives on the atmosphere created by both fan groups,” while police warned of increased scrutiny on masks and pyrotechnics during the event.