A 26-year-old woman using an oxygen tube had it ripped off by Brøndby fans during the recent Copenhagen derby, reigniting the debate over whether Danish football clubs and police adequately protect vulnerable spectators at high-risk matches.
The incident happened at Brøndby Stadium during the Superliga championship derby between Brøndby IF and F.C. København. Mille Mastrup, who lives with chronic lung disease and requires oxygen support, was targeted in a corridor near the away section. As reported by TV 2, fans allegedly pulled off her oxygen tube and laughed at her as she struggled. She left the match early and later told reporters she felt police did not take her complaint seriously when she tried to report what happened.
I have been to these derbies. The atmosphere can be electric, but it can also turn hostile fast. For many expats, Danish football is sold as a fun cultural experience, part of the hygge package. What does not always come through is just how intense and sometimes threatening these high-risk matches can be, especially in certain sections of the stadium.
When Fan Culture Crosses the Line
Danish football has long had a hooligan problem. The Brøndby versus FCK rivalry is one of the fiercest in Scandinavia. Police routinely classify these matches as high-risk, deploying extra officers and conducting security checks. Yet incidents like this one suggest that the measures in place are not enough to protect everyone who wants to watch a game.
What makes this case stand out is the cruelty. Targeting someone on medical oxygen is not passion or rivalry. It is deliberate humiliation of a vulnerable person. The fact that the perpetrators allegedly laughed makes it worse.
Gaps in Protection
Denmark likes to present itself as safe and inclusive. But for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, the reality inside stadiums can be different. Clubs are required under Danish and EU law to ensure that vulnerable fans can attend without undue risk. When someone is attacked and then feels dismissed by both police and stadium staff, the system has failed.
For expats, this is a reminder that not all public spaces in Denmark feel equally safe. If you have a disability or a medical condition, choosing your seat matters. Family sections and seated stands are generally calmer than ultras’ terraces. Avoiding crowded corridors right before kickoff and after the final whistle can also reduce risk.
What Happens Next
The story broke on May 25 and has circulated widely on Danish news and social media. It is likely to fuel calls for stricter controls on so-called risk fans. Politicians and safety advocates have previously pushed for more CCTV, fan ID cards, and national stadium ban registers. Some expats may find the idea familiar from other European leagues, but in Denmark it remains controversial.
Ultra groups and civil rights activists argue that collective punishment and heavy surveillance will drive ordinary fans away. They prefer dialogue and fan liaison officers over more police. But incidents like this one make those arguments harder to sustain.
Practical Steps for Expats
If you plan to attend a high-risk match, check the club website for safety guidance and seating options. Brøndby IF and other Superliga clubs usually list family sections and accessibility information in English. If something happens, file a police report online at politiet.dk. If you are unhappy with the response, you can complain to the Independent Police Complaints Authority. Reporting a crime does not affect your residence permit.
Inside the stadium, contact stewards or the club safety officer immediately. Clubs can issue stadium bans and launch internal investigations. Disability organizations in Denmark can also provide advice on asserting your rights in public venues.
This case will test whether Danish football is serious about inclusion or whether vulnerable fans remain second-class spectators at their own risk.
