Thomas Kraft, CEO of Djurgården, talks about stopping supporters
Djurgarden supporters start from the derby match against AEK.
It makes the players interact.
– I think it’s tragic, says Djurgarden striker Tim Soderlund.
On November 2, AIK and Djurgården meet for a long-awaited hot derby – without fans away from home.
This was announced by the organizing club AIK on Friday, referring to the security situation after the chaos in the Tele2 arena last weekend.
Djurgården striker Tim Soderlund, who has been a staunch supporter since childhood and usually supports the club in the football stands, thinks it is “tragic”.
– I would like our fans to be there and create a great atmosphere, says Djurgarden striker Tim Soderlund.
Two heels should be against each other.
All AIK fan associations are of the same opinion and call for a boycott of the match.
“We may be rival teams, but we stand united in such matters.” They write in a statement.
“I haven’t followed much, but I think there should be two heels facing each other in the derby,” says Soderlund.
Does it make a difference as a snowboarder too?
– She makes it. It will be a powerful experience and a great atmosphere that you will want to play in front of you.
Fellow striker Oli Les believes he was also looking forward to a home party.
– It’s sad for Swedish hockey in general. He says not, I mean the hockey Stockholm derby has been waiting for many years.
– So you never know, maybe you didn’t say the last word. We’ll just see what happens.
The decision was a continuation during the day. Djurgården responded to Ike’s statement and wrote, among others:
“We think it’s an unfortunate decision going in a completely different direction from what the two clubs have worked towards so far.”
A few hours later, the next shift occurred when AIK wrote in a new statement that Djurgården was the driving force in the matter and called a meeting for Monday.
“Djorgaarden Hockey changed their mind later, because they needed more time to analyze and evaluate and did not see themselves having to make a decision here and now, when their home game is played during the days in between.” It remains to read.
Djurgården CEO answers
Sportbladet interviewed Djurgården CEO Thomas Kraft, who gave his view on the tours.
When the season started, we had many discussions and agreed on a strategic decision that both clubs wanted to play all four derbies with supporters in place. Then, with the first derby approaching, we had a number of business meetings during the week to review the terms. As we reported recently, Tuesday and Wednesday, in written and phone calls to AIK and senior management, we don’t stand behind the decision to play solely in front of the home crowd. We wanted to be clear that we believe in the direction we set early in the year. Kraft says:
– We believe in a vibrant, supportive culture and atmosphere.
Would you have stuck with it even if you had organized your first derby in 1.5 weeks?
– Absolute.
Opens for a new meeting
Kraft says Djurgården has an ongoing dialogue with supporters.
We talked a lot with our support organization Järnkamenerna and with football, and we took their advice and support because they have more experience in the derby. We have collected as much information as we feel we need. For us, it is important that we do not make a quick decision but the right one.
What made you hesitate at Monday’s meeting? Was it a football derby?
– Once again, we’re getting close to our actual derbies and it’s going to be tough. Even if AIK is the first, we believe in dialogue and discussion. We feel that holding this type of business meeting is both necessary and straightforward. With both the police, the club, the arena, and, not least, the organization of supporters.
AIK also wrote that during the weekend they will hold dialogue and meetings with interested parties.
will you attend
– If they want us to attend, it goes without saying. If we can play with the fans of both teams, it will be an advantage if we do it in all derbies, says Thomas Kraft.