Sportsklubben Brann has launched an investigation into homophobic abuse directed at Aalesund's goalkeeper during a match at Brann Stadion this spring. The case emerged after supporter and politician Alexander Papas reported the incident to the club.
Alexander Papas experienced a group of young men in the stands shouting phrases like "Aalesunds keeper er homo" and "Han i grøn er bøg". When he confronted the group, the abuse reportedly intensified. Papas filmed parts of the episode and has submitted the material to the club.
The club takes action
Brann's daily leader Christian Kalvenes stresses that such behaviour is unacceptable. - This is not acceptable behaviour, neither at Brann Stadion nor in society at large, says Kalvenes., Everyone should feel safe and included in our stands.
The club's security staff will now review the submitted footage to identify those responsible. Brann has a reaction regulation for unwanted incidents at the stadium, and hateful expressions can lead to strict consequences, including bans of up to 35 matches. Those banned cannot return until they have completed an attitude change programme.
Support from fan leader
Erlend Vågane, leader of the supporter group Bataljonen, calls the incident totally unacceptable and praises Papas for speaking up. - It is clear that someone ignored warnings even though others reacted, says Vågane. He emphasises that Bataljonen is very focused on ensuring homophobia, racism, and sexism have no place in their stands.
Alexander Papas expresses relief that the club is now taking the matter seriously. - Every time they used the slurs they looked critically or nastily over at us, he says. He feels at home at the stadium but believes it is important to speak up when witnessing such behaviour, and he wishes more people, including non-LGBTQ+ individuals, would raise their voices.
The fight against hate
A report from the organisation FRI in February this year showed that six out of ten LGBTQ+ people in Norway believe the situation has worsened over the past five years, with many experiencing increased hate and harassment. Brann's actions in this case are placed within this broader context.
The club currently sits seventh in the Eliteserien with 29 points from 21 games. With an aim to secure a place in the top half, the team has averaged 1.4 goals per game in their last five matches but has struggled to keep a clean sheet at the back.
Brann's next match is against Viking at Brann Stadion on Saturday 9 October.
Read the full report at NRK Sport (nb)
