Seven masked AGF supporters were arrested outside Hotel Sabro Kro west of Aarhus early Thursday, after setting off fireworks at the hotel where Benfica’s squad was staying ahead of the club’s Europa League qualifier in Randers.
According to Avisen Danmark, a group of around eight to ten people dressed in black and wearing face coverings arrived at the hotel parking lot at about 1:45 a.m. on Thursday. There they began firing off various types of fireworks, apparently to disturb the Portuguese team’s sleep.
Officers were already in place. East Jutland Police said seven men aged 18 to 23 were arrested and charged with violating both the Danish masking law and the fireworks law. The force announced the arrests late Thursday morning.
Several of those detained were already known in a football context. Five of the seven had a nationwide football ban, meaning they may not be at or near stadiums during professional matches. The two others were given a ban on the spot.
Higher fines possible
Police will now assess whether the five men who already held bans should receive another one when their current ban expires. Because the offenses are considered connected to Thursday’s Europa League qualifier, the men can also expect an increased fine, according to the force.
The night’s incident at Sabro was not the first confrontation between AGF and Benfica supporters. As stated in the East Jutland Police daily report, AGF fans approached a group of Benfica supporters at a bar in central Aarhus shortly before midnight. Officers calmed the situation before it escalated, and no one was arrested there.
Police inspector Brian Voss Olsen said he was satisfied with the night’s operation. Per Avisen Danmark, he stated that police will not accept a small group of troublemaking supporters ruining the experience for the large peaceful majority. He added that officers will also be visibly present at Thursday’s match.
The police inspector said the force will continue to use the tools available to clamp down on such behavior. The stated aim is to ensure the evening’s game is played without disorder.
Ahead of the fixture, police had been paying particular attention to a smaller group of Aarhus supporters who have previously caused trouble and created insecurity. Football banning orders have been the subject of nationwide debate in Denmark.
The match between AGF and Benfica is being played in Randers at 8 p.m. on Thursday. AGF’s home ground in Aarhus is not hosting the tie.
