Release from 12.12.2024

League statement on the measures at selected Graz99ers home games

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The win2day ICE Hockey League issues a statement on the decision of the Moser Medical Graz99ers not to allow away fans with fan clothing in the general spectator areas of the Merkur Eisstadion at selected home games.

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Ice hockey is the fastest team sport in the world and is known for its special fan culture and family-friendly atmosphere. This is also reflected in the win2day ICE Hockey League, in which many fan friendships exist and, despite the sporting rivalry, the shared enjoyment of the sport is paramount.

Following the announcement by the Moser Medical Graz99ers that from now on no away fans with fan clothing would be allowed in the general spectator areas of the Merkur Eisstadion at selected home games, the league immediately initiated investigations. After consultation with the responsible office within the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), it was confirmed that there have been no significant problems between home and away fans in the general spectator areas at the stadiums of the Austrian ICE clubs since the start of the season - just as in many previous seasons. Inquiries to the other “Hockey Europe” leagues and the Bundesliga have revealed that such procedures - as implemented by the 99ers - are extremely rare internationally and in almost all cases only implemented when matches are deemed to be high-risk matches by the respective authorities and strict fan segregation is imposed.

Following numerous letters from fans and based on the above findings, the Moser Medical Graz99ers were asked to re-evaluate and reconsider the measures - provided there are no safety-related issues or official requirements.

The regulations of the win2day ICE Hockey League do not currently stipulate how a club should deal with away fans wearing fan clothing in the general spectator areas. The league organization respects the rules of the house rules and hopes for a decision in the interest of the entire hockey family in this case as well.