Stockholm Derby Scheduled for Sunday to Enhance Safety

The upcoming football derby between Djurgården and Hammarby on September 14 is part of a strategic trend to schedule Stockholm derbies on early Sunday afternoons. This practice, initiated in spring 2017, aims to improve safety and reduce disturbances among fans. Mats Jonsson, Djurgården's event and safety manager, emphasized that Sundays are now regarded as optimal for such matches due to both logistical reasons and the need for crowd control.

The police, led by football coordinator Carina Olsson Bäck, support this scheduling change, noting that Sunday afternoons tend to see fewer alcohol-related incidents and instances of violence. Fans are less likely to drink heavily with work commitments the following day. Special event trains can also be utilized on Sunday matches, further streamlining supporter transport and minimizing potential clashes between rival factions.

This decision reflects a concerted effort by clubs, law enforcement, and broadcasting entities to prioritize safety. There are no current plans to revert to evening weekday matches, as stakeholders have expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the Sunday scheduling approach.