Fribourg-Gottéron bans two fan groups after derby violence

Swiss ice hockey club Fribourg-Gottéron has immediately barred two ultra groups from its home arena after violent clashes surrounding Saturday’s western Switzerland derby in Lausanne, SRF reports.

The club has excluded Fribvrgensis XIV and Fanatics. Their board members will be denied entry until further notice, and tickets held by other group members are no longer valid. Banners, flags and other group materials are also banned, as are signs expressing protest or opinion.

For away games, the club has prohibited fan items including flags, banners, drums and megaphones, as well as organised choreographies, until December 23.

Violent clashes took place in and around the Vaudoise Arena and at Prilly-Malley railway station after the derby. According to the Vaud cantonal police, two Lausanne HC fans were seriously injured and treated in hospital.

Fribourg-Gottéron said it was particularly disappointed because both fan groups had previously signed a charter pledging respectful behaviour at games in Lausanne. The club said it would not tolerate violence.