Copenhagen Police Gear Up for Potential Fan Unrest During Euro Matches
As FC Copenhagen and Brøndby prepare for crucial matches in the Conference League, the Copenhagen Police are bracing for possible disturbances linked to the notorious fan behavior of their opponents. Peter Dahl, head of the Emergency Management division of the Copenhagen Police, emphasized the need for heightened vigilance ahead of these international encounters.
FC Copenhagen is set to face Czech team Banik Ostrava at Parken Stadium on Wednesday evening. Known for their rowdy fan base, Banik Ostrava supporters have a history of causing unrest in various European locations. "We are aware that the Czech fans have a certain reputation and have previously been involved in unrest elsewhere in Europe," noted Dahl, indicating that the police are on alert, preparing for any possible disturbances.
Dahl explained the importance of readiness, saying, "We are preparing for the worst but we are still in the preparation phase as we do not have clear indications of how many will come, what their intentions are, and whether there is an antagonistic relationship between them and FCK's fans." The level of police presence will be adjusted based on the situation leading up to the match.
"If we get indications that 200 rowdy fans are coming from the Czech Republic with a violent agenda, we will put extra resources in place," he stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the number of away fans.
The scenario is complicated further by the fact that, just one night later, Brøndby will host Polish side Legia Warszawa, known for their troublesome supporters as well. Legia’s fans faced a temporary ban from attending away matches in Europe due to their previous disruptions, but this hasn’t stopped them from traveling independently, as evidenced by last week’s match in Wales, where a significant number of Legia supporters were present despite the ban.
Copenhagen Police are acutely aware of the potential complications this could create for the match at Brøndby Stadium. "This is also part of our assessments and is difficult to prepare for since officially no one is coming," Dahl mentioned. In traditional scenarios, police can track ticket sales and expect the number of traveling fans, but the unpredictability of European matches poses challenges.
Dahl pointed out that while the match occurs in Vestegnen, many fans typically choose to stay in Copenhagen because of better accommodations and attractions, which could lead to a larger concentration of supporters in the city.
The police are accustomed to managing the rivalry between FCK and Brøndby during domestic derbies; however, the dynamics of European qualification matches introduce additional layers of complexity. Dahl expressed frustration over the shorter preparation times that accompany these matches, stating, "It is highly problematic that with European tournaments, we risk high-risk matches with less than a week's notice because the draw is so late."
He added, "It is an expensive affair when we have to deploy a lot of police officers at very short notice, so the European matches generally give us headaches on several fronts."
As the stakes rise in these upcoming fixtures, both FC Copenhagen and Brøndby will look to secure their places in the Conference League while the Copenhagen authorities continue to analyze risks and prepare for any eventualities that might arise from fan gatherings and encounters related to these high-profile matches.
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