New Police Masking Directives Ignite Fan Protests at Swedish Football Matches

New police directives aimed at curbing fan masking at football matches have prompted backlash from both clubs and supporter groups. Effective from the upcoming allsvenska matches, these regulations mandate that any match can be interrupted if fans are found to be masked. Per Engström, head of the National Operational Department (NOA), defends the timing of the rules, stating, "This has been known for years," and believes clubs should have acted earlier. Engström associates the practice of masking with the illegal use of pyrotechnics, which he deems as detrimental to the sport and suggests that stricter penalties for masking will be implemented next year.

Supporting the police's stance, Engström argues that it is the responsibility of clubs to inform their supporters about these new regulations - a sentiment echoed amidst frustration from fans. In protest, AIK supporters displayed banners at their recent match criticizing Engström, with slogans such as "Fängsla Per Engström – rädda svensk fotboll," calling for his accountability and for the legalization of pyrotechnics, which they view as part of their culture. Engström’s response to these criticisms was varied, asserting that he is a representative of a broader police initiative rather than the sole decision-maker in the matter. As the directives come into play, the tension between fans and law enforcement continues to escalate, reflecting deeper divides over the essence of football culture in Sweden.