Swiss hockey fans protest as SC Bern boycotts derby and Gottéron ultras target club

Tensions are rising in Swiss ice hockey as fans of both SC Bern and Fribourg-Gottéron have staged protests. During a recent derby at the BCF Arena, SC Bern supporters boycotted the match, resulting in the venue failing to sell out for the first time since March 2023. The boycott followed a decision by Fribourg authorities to restrict the guest sector to SC Bern fans traveling via organized transport and combined tickets.

Simultaneously, Fribourg-Gottéron ultras in the Kop Nord section displayed banners criticizing club management. Their protests target increased season ticket prices, changes to the guest sector, and general club policy. Despite the team's strong start to the season, fans expressed dissatisfaction with decisions made behind the scenes.

On the ice, 18-year-old Lars Steiner marked a career milestone for HC Davos. After returning to Switzerland following two years in Canada, Steiner scored his first National League goal against Ambri-Piotta, despite playing through a bloody nose caused by a collision earlier in the match.