Zurich Derby Erupts in Pyrotechnics and Police Presence
The city of Zurich buzzed with anticipation on December 3, 2024, as the second installment of the Zurich football derby unfolded. A Swiss Cup clash between longtime rivals Grasshopper Club Zurich (GC) and FC Zurich kicked off at 8 p.m., drawing fervent supporters from both sides.
Fan Marches and Pre-Match Calm
The evening began with GC fans congregating at the iconic Prime Tower, their voices rising as they embarked on a march shortly after 6 p.m. Their route took them towards Pfingstweidstrasse, culminating in an ascent up the ramp to Hardbrücke. However, city police swiftly intervened, halting the march at this point. Undeterred, the GC fans retraced their steps to Pfingstweidstrasse and proceeded via Duttweilerbrücke, Hohlstrasse, and Hardgutstrasse to the Letzigrund stadium.
Meanwhile, FCZ supporters headed directly to the stadium, gathering in the vicinity of the tram stop. The arrival of both fan groups was notably peaceful, devoid of any disturbances or the use of firecrackers or flares.
Stadium Tension and Post-Match Exodus
As the whistle blew, signaling the start of the match, the atmosphere inside the stadium crackled with energy. Despite the pre-game civility, the fiercely competitive nature of the derby soon manifested itself through the ignition of pyrotechnic devices in both fan curves throughout the game.
Following the final whistle, GC fans promptly began departing the stadium. A group of roughly 100 individuals congregated at Hardgutstrasse, resuming their march via Hohlstrasse, Duttweilerbrücke, and Pfingstweidstrasse towards Hardbrücke, where they eventually dispersed. FCZ fans lingered in the south curve for a while longer, basking in the glow of their team’s performance before the stadium gradually emptied.
Throughout the marches, city police maintained a vigilant presence, ensuring the safety and order of both fan groups.
Police Intervention and Post-Match Calm
As the night progressed, minor tensions arose. At both Hardbrücke train station and Zurich’s main train station, police were forced to intervene to prevent clashes between rival fans. In the latter incident, use of pepper spray by Securitrans personnel proved necessary.
However, following these isolated incidents, the city gradually returned to a state of calm. Throughout the evening, the Zurich cantonal police and transport police also contributed to maintaining order and ensuring public safety.
What are the risks associated with fan marches, and how can authorities balance fan expression with public safety concerns?
## Zurich Derby Aftermath: A Look at Fan Safety
**Host:** Welcome back. The Zurich derby saw some dramatic scenes on and off the pitch last night, with a particularly strong police presence and numerous pyrotechnics displays. Joining us to discuss the safety implications of these events is Alex Reed, a specialist in football fan culture and security. Alex Reed, thanks for being here.
**Alex Reed:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** We witnessed some tense moments before the match even kicked off, with GC fans attempting a march that was stopped by police. What can you tell us about the use of marches as a form of fan expression, and the potential risks involved?
**Alex Reed:** Marches are a traditional way for football fans to demonstrate their passion and support for their team. However, large gatherings can pose logistical challenges and safety concerns, especially when they occur in crowded urban areas.
The incident at Hardbrücke highlights the potential for conflict when fan marches come into contact with heavy police presence. While it’s crucial for authorities to maintain order and ensure public safety, it’s equally important to find ways to manage these situations in a way that respects fans’ rights to assembly and expression.
**Host:** And of course, the use of pyrotechnics during the match itself is another major concern. We saw flares and smoke bombs ignited in the stands. Zurich authorities have been testing ways to better manage pyrotechnics use by fans. Can you shed some light on their efforts and the challenges they face?
**Alex Reed:** You’re right, the use of pyrotechnics in football stadiums is a persistent issue across Europe. The recent tests in Zurich, mentioned in a 2013 StadiumDB article [[1](https://stadiumdb.com/news/2013/01/zurich_pyrotechnics_tested_by_fans_and_security_officials)], aimed to find a way to mitigate the risks. While it’s unclear if these tests led to any new regulations, it’s encouraging to see authorities proactively engaging with this issue.
The challenge lies in balancing fan culture with safety concerns. Pyrotechnics are deeply ingrained in some fan traditions, and outright bans can be met with resistance.
Finding solutions that address both sides of the equation is crucial for creating a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone at football matches.
**Host:** Alex Reed, insightful points as always. Thank you for joining us today and shedding light on these complex issues.
