Ilves fan group boycotts matches over club’s pyrotechnics ban

A leading Ilves fan group, Niilon pojat, has announced it will boycott the club’s home matches after several supporters were denied entry for bringing pyrotechnics into the stadium.

The group stated on its Facebook page that it “cannot accept a situation where fans are punished without fair grounds or in ways not permitted by law.”

Ilves confirmed it has barred a small number of fans from recent matches at Tampere’s Tammela Stadium due to pyrotechnic use, which the club says violates safety regulations. Olli Vakkala, the club’s community and responsibility manager, called the situation regrettable but emphasized that safety remains the priority.

“As the event organizer, we must ensure the match is safe and complies with all official requirements,” Vakkala said. He noted that pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited, with a zero-tolerance policy in place.

Ilves has held multiple discussions with Niilon pojat and its supporter liaison officer, describing the dialogue as open and constructive. Vakkala, a former player, acknowledged that while fan culture has grown positively, unwanted elements such as pyrotechnics have also emerged.

Jarno Reini, a police commissioner with the Central Finland Police, said Ilves has acted appropriately. “Public assembly laws must be fully observed at events. Safety takes precedence over a small group’s desire for a more exciting atmosphere,” Reini stated.

Finnish Football Association rules ban pyrotechnics, smoke devices, projectiles, and offensive or racist banners. Masking one’s identity to evade detection is also prohibited.

Reini added that Ilves has not requested any exemptions from safety regulations—“nor would they be granted.” He noted that while problematic fan behavior persists in football, the club is working to address it.

Ilves hosts SJK at Tammela Stadium on Saturday. The venue has a capacity of around 8,000.