Statement from F.C. Copenhagen's players and coaching staff

Dear all F.C. Copenhagen fans,
 
We as a group have taken some time to consider the events at Brøndby Stadium on Sunday.
 
For those of us associated with F.C. Copenhagen, we must remember how privileged we are in Danish football. With an average attendance of nearly 28,000 spectators in Parken and a full away following time we play, we represent something truly unique in Danish and Scandinavian football. This fan culture has been built over many years with great commitment and dedication from all F.C. Copenhagen supporters. 
 
However, when a small number of people manage to transform the world’s best support into violent scenes, where hooded individuals target riot police on the field, we must speak out. Anyone who engages in violence is taking both football – and us – hostage when they exhibit such behaviour. It has to stop, and it has to stop now.
 
We cannot tolerate being associated with violence, fighting, attacks on the police, and dangerous scenes where ordinary people risk getting hurt. It damages the club and ruins the framework of football. We expect our fans to behave properly, and we expect them to be treated fairly when we are away from home. 
 
Football should bring us together, not divide us. 
 
We accept that booing, swearing, and chanting about us or the club is all part of the experience when we visit other stadiums. That is precisely how the rivalry between football clubs should be. But it should never go beyond that. It should never harm innocent people or police officers who are just doing their jobs. 
 
Every day, work is done in the offices at F.C. Copenhagen to develop and strengthen our club, and we know how many people in our fan community have dedicated their lives to supporting, strengthening, and backing F.C. Copenhagen. Many players choose the capital as their place to work and live because of the fantastic fan culture, and there is a special solidarity in the stands at Parken. 
 
We love the support we receive from you, and there is no greater drive for us than your support and visible, vocal backing. A pulsating stadium that brings the noice, has brilliant tifos, swirling scarves, and everyone in white. This magnificent support lifts us all and you stand by us through thick and thin. Nothing compares to it. 
 
But there are standards to uphold when representing F.C. Copenhagen. 
This must not be ruined by a few individuals. 
 
We need you, we need your support and commitment. Let us together stay fully focused on the positive, vibrant culture that has been built over decades and that makes F.C. Copenhagen truly special. 
 
/Players and coaches of F.C. Copenhagen