Färjestad Hockey Fan, 14, Assaulted After Match, Says “They Jumped On Me”
Karlstad, Sweden – A 14-year-old hockey fan wearing Färjestad BK apparel was attacked by a group of individuals following a recent Swedish Hockey League (SHL) game, sustaining a fracture and a bleed in the head. The incident occurred in the parking lot outside the men’s team locker room after the match, leaving the young fan facing a month-long recovery before he can return to playing with his youth team.
The assault underscores growing concerns about fan violence at sporting events and raises questions about security measures at SHL arenas. While the boy remains resolute in his desire to continue attending Färjestad games,the incident has sidelined him from playing hockey for at least a month,disrupting his training and competition schedule. Authorities are investigating the attack, and the incident has sparked discussion about ensuring the safety of all attendees, particularly young fans.
According to the boy’s account, the altercation began after he passed buses carrying Djurgård supporters on the way home. He stated they “called out to me…I was wearing Färjestad clothes. They started inciting and we maybe incited back a little. Then they asked me to come to them – and I did. Then I don’t remember much.” He recalls a teammate disappearing when “15-20 came towards me,” likely out of fear.
The 14-year-old’s next clear memory is waking up on the asphalt with a woman attending to him. A woman subsequently called the police, and his father believes she may have intervened to stop the assault. Describing the attack itself, the boy stated, “They jumped on me.”
Despite the severity of the attack, the young fan expressed a determination to continue attending Färjestad games, saying, “I can go. for me it’s calm. I’m not scared right away.” Though, he acknowledged the impact on his hockey participation, noting, “It is indeed of course very boring. Hockey means a lot,basically all day after school I’m down in the hockey hall.”
