Niilon pojat boycott Ilves home games over pyrotechnics ban

The supporters group Niilon pojat has pulled out of Ilves home matches at Tammela Stadium after the club barred several fans last week for bringing pyrotechnics. The move leaves a visible gap in the stands.

Ilves said the bans were aimed at protecting safety and ensuring compliance with event rules, and YLE reported the boycott followed that ruling.

Olli Vakkala, the club's head of community and responsibility, called the situation unfortunate and stressed that supporters are vital, especially as the team needs strong backing from the stands.

Ilves says it has held open talks with its supporter liaison and Niilon pojat, but the group says it cannot accept punishments imposed without a fair legal basis.

Police commissioner Jarno Reini of Central Finland urged compliance with assembly law. He warned that pyrotechnics, flares, thrown objects, smoke and racist banners are banned at matches. Ilves and the authorities say they will enforce those rules ahead of Saturday’s 14:00 match against SJK.

Vakkala said fan culture has grown more positive, but clubs and supporters must agree on clearer boundaries to curb harmful behaviour across the country.

Earlier this spring police reported organised brawls and public disorder linked to Ilves and Tappara supporters which heightened concern about fan behaviour.