Freiburg restricts SC Bern fans to organised travel

Freiburg authorities will admit only SC Bern fans arriving on organised transport to Tuesday evening’s game against HC Fribourg-Gottéron, SRF reported. No special train or bus had been arranged at the time of the report.

The authorities say the restriction follows problems at previous SC Bern games in Freiburg, when fans travelled on regional trains and affected public safety, according to Lise-Marie Graden, prefect of the Saane district.

The BLS transport company withdrew its offer of a special fan train two weeks ago. BLS spokeswoman Helene Soltermann said fans had covered cameras and smoke detectors on earlier trips, and that special trains required additional security staff.

Since then, the two hockey clubs, the National League, Freiburg cantonal police and the district authorities have discussed alternatives. The authorities asked SC Bern to organise transport, but the club has not done so. SC Bern indicated to SRF that arranging a train or other transport was not possible after the BLS withdrew.

Freiburg public transport operator TPF offered to arrange a special train or buses, police spokesman Bernhard Vonlanthen said. SC Bern suggested instead that its own security staff accompany fans on regular commuter trains, but Freiburg authorities rejected the plan, saying it would not be as safe as a special train.

Two SC Bern fan groups said on their websites that they would travel to Freiburg anyway and urged fans to use public transport in small groups. The authorities said fans without organised transport would not be allowed into the stadium. Cantonal police said they were monitoring the situation and would adjust their measures as needed.