HS: The fans' fury erupted – Jokerit boss explains why the controversial decision was made

The return of Jokerit to the League brings with it the long-awaited Helsinki derby, but the first encounter with HIFK has already received a controversial reception before the season starts.

A stir arose around the match to be played in October when HIFK’s supporter groups announced they would skip the away match. The supporters justified their decision with the high prices of match tickets and the small ticket allocation reserved for away supporters.

The discussion expanded on Friday to include Jokerit’s own supporters. Eteläpääty 2006 stated that they support the HIFK fans’ boycott and criticized the club’s management. The official supporter association Eteläpääty ry, on the other hand, announced that they would be present at the match.

Jokerit justifies the controversial ticket solution

Jokerit’s chairman Mikko Saarni commented on the situation to Helsingin Sanomat and said he understands the fans’ perspective.

– Naturally, it is unfortunate if the boycott takes place. We would prefer to see HIFK’s fan groups at the match, Saarni says to Helsingin Sanomat.

One of the biggest topics of discussion has been the number allocated for away supporters. HIFK’s supporters will receive 350 tickets to the Veikkaus Arena, which accommodates over 13,000 spectators.

Saarni confirms the number.

– Yes. We have prepared for about 350 tickets.

According to Jokerit, the number of tickets was not a unilateral decision, but was discussed with HIFK well in advance. The decision also took into account the League’s guidelines.

– We had discussions with HIFK well in advance. It was clear to both clubs that the number of tickets sold to both teams’ supporter groups would be relatively the same.

Saarni states that the decision was particularly influenced by the size of the fan section offered by HIFK for Jokerit’s supporters.

– Our understanding is that HIFK offers our fans their normal fan section, which has about 200 tickets. Therefore, we wanted to offer at least a similar amount, perhaps a bit more. The minimum required by the League is precisely that 200 tickets.

Although the decision has received criticism, Saarni sees justifications for both sides in the situation.

– There are two sides to this, both of which are justified.

Derby tickets sparked discussion over prices

The other major topic of discussion regarding the match has been ticket pricing.

Advance ticket sales started on Friday, with the cheapest ticket costing 75 euros. Prices for side seats in the lower stand start at 149 euros.

Saarni justifies the pricing by the uniqueness of the match.

– We value the match as a top event in Finnish sports and a very special occasion. The entire SM-liiga and the super season are now more interesting than ever. We believe this match is worth that.

The supporter association demands a change in the status of away fans

Eteläpääty ry announced on Friday that they had discussed the situation with the club. According to the association, Jokerit has promised that the prices for future derbies will be more moderate after the first match.

Additionally, Eteläpääty ry plans to propose a change to the League regarding the status of away supporters. The association’s goal is to ensure that at least five percent of the arena’s capacity is reserved for away fans in the future during the regular season.

Jokerit returns to the League next season after a 12-year hiatus. The last time Jokerit and HIFK faced each other was in March 2014 at the Olympic Stadium’s Winter Classic, where HIFK won the match 2–1.