HJK supporters react to the club’s decision to ban tickets.
Micke Suopuro,
Samu Saatsi
12.12. 20:51•Updated 12.12. 22:08
HJK played against Norwegian Molde in the Men’s Conference League. The stakes of the game were clear: both needed a win in order to maintain their chances for the next games starting in February.
The match was HJK’s midfielder To Atomu Tanaka and topper Joona Toivio the last in front of the home crowd.
Before the match, however, the dispute between the club and the supporters stole the spotlight.
Before the game, HJK received the wrath of the supporters, when the club banned fans from waving tickets. The message “Uefa mafia” found on the tickets could have resulted in another fine for the club.
The fans reacted to the club’s decision in the stands. The supporters chanted “Uefa mafia” as the teams entered. The supporters held the banners in the stands the wrong way round. In the middle of the opening period, the torches were lit.
HJK has previously received fines from UEFA for similar events, so fines are expected again.
A year ago, HJK had to pay fines of 30,000 euros for flares. In 2022, HJK said they had to pay 100,000 euros in disciplinary fines to Uefa and the Football Association.
A year ago, Uefa also gave HJK suspended sentencewhich is still valid. According to the suspended sentence, for the next foul, HJK would have to close the main grandstand, or Klubipäädy, and its two closest grandstand blocks from the next European game.
The match between HJK and Molde ended in a draw.
HJK will play its last match of the Conference League’s initial series stage next week in Seville as a guest of Real Betis.