Yesterday it was back to the familiar stomping grounds of Tele2 Arena and Djurgårdens IF. This is going to be the fourth season that I cover Djurgårdens home matches for Pic-Agency. It seems like in these past three years there has never been a calm start to the season. Who could forget the great pear debacle last season? While previously most of the drama was due to results on the pitch, this year Djurgården was hit with a real tragedy that has shaken football in Sweden.
On the opening weekend, when Djurgården was away to Helsingborg, a 43-year old fan was attacked by opposing fans and seriously injured. He was taken to a hospital where he passed away from his injuries. Processing this tragedy has been very difficult for both the fans and everyone involved with football in Sweden. On one hand violence and football is a narrative you too often hear. Although these type of situations always seemed so distant. Foolishly you might think this is the type of thing that happens in other countries not here.
And this is how we went into the home premiere for the 2014 season. Sad, dejected, and still processing the situation.
