Molde Braces for Rosenborg Clash Amidst Fears of Renewed Fan Violence
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Molde, Norway – Authorities in Molde are preparing for a potentially volatile football match this Saturday as Rosenborg visits Aker Stadium, with police urging businesses to secure outdoor items and bracing for the arrival of approximately one thousand Rosenborg supporters from trondheim. The heightened security measures are a direct response to disturbances that occurred during the corresponding match last year, fueled by the intense rivalry between Molde FK and rosenborg.
A City on Edge
Local businesses are already taking precautions. Florist Cecilie Rindarøy explained that she is even removing decorations from the exterior of her shop,stating,”We must take in all loose objects outside the store. It’s stupid if things get broken. We are even going to turn down the rose decoration on the wall.” Other shops in Storgata, the city’s main thoroughfare, are following suit, foregoing their usual displays of flags, blankets, and scarves. Katrine Mikkelsen, a shopkeeper, noted her usual match-day decorations will remain stored away this Saturday, adding, “It is very strange to think that football, which means so much joy, should cause fear. I think it’s sad that there should be such hate matches.”
Police Respond to Previous Unrest
The increased police presence and preventative measures are a direct response to disturbances that occurred during the corresponding match last year. According to police station chief Janne Woie, a call has been issued to local businesses to secure loose items, flowers, and display signs, anticipating that supporters will walk together from the city center towards the stadium. “When many people get on the train in that way, unfortunate incidents can occur,” Woie stated.
Rivalry Fuels Concerns
The animosity between Molde FK and Rosenborg is well-documented, and despite both teams currently underperforming in the elite series, the rivalry remains intense. Per Eikrem, Molde FK’s marketing manager, emphasized the club’s commitment to welcoming Rosenborg supporters with respect, stating, “We have good experience in dealing with away supporters. We try to welcome them as guests and treat them with respect. Then it usually goes well.” However, authorities are not taking any chances.
Rosenborg Supporters Weigh In
Despite the concerns, some Rosenborg supporters believe the fears are overblown. Bjørn Skar, a spokesperson for the Rosenborg supporters’ group Kjernen, asserted that Molde has little to fear. When asked about potential disruptions, Skar acknowledged the unpredictable nature of fan behavior, stating, “That is an impossible question to answer. I don’t have GPS tracking on people and can send commands, so I can’t answer for people doing stupid things. But basically,I see no reason for them to fear anything. One must be able to expect that people are capable of behaving like this to some extent.”
Skar also expressed surprise at the match’s scheduling, noting, “It is strange that the match is set up on Saturday at 18.00, when other matches where one suspects that things might happen are played on Sunday at 14.30.” He further suggested that the teams’ current standings – both are considered disappointments this season – should mitigate the risk of trouble, characterizing the match as “more of an almost grassroots battle.”
A Hope for Peaceful Competition
Despite the potential for unrest, authorities remain optimistic that Saturday’s match will be a safe and enjoyable event for all. “It should be,” Woie affirmed. “It is the police’s duty, and we must help make it a good experience.” The match is scheduled to kick off at 6:00 PM, and fans are encouraged to cheer for their teams and contribute to a positive atmosphere. Florist Rindarøy, despite her precautions, expressed hope for a peaceful outcome, stating, “Both teams are probably quite desperate. So we’re hoping for three points now, that is. We need that badly. And then bet that there won’t be any noise here.” Fans can watch Molde-Rosenborg on TV 2 Play this Saturday.
