Norwegian tragedy to be marked
All matches in this round of the Superliga will begin with a moment of silence in respect for the tragedy in Norway. It will happen in respect for the tragedy that has unfolded, where the death toll after an apparently politically-motivated act of terrorism has cost no less than 90 lives, in downtown Oslo and on the island of Utøya.
The decision to mark the event at games in the Superliga is due to the historically close relationship between Danish and Norwegian football at all levels. From the collaboration between football associations, the DBU and NFF, and trade associations, the clubs and the players from the Superliga right down to the grassroots level are all connected, with summer tournaments for youth teams.
The Norwegian Football Federation, NFF, has opted to postpone the entire round of matches in the Tippeliga as a result of what the country's prime minister has described as a national tragedy.
DBU Communications Manager Lars Berendt epxlained:
- There exists a historically close relationship between Danish and Norwegian football. The DBU has an excellent relationship with the NFF and has a close partnership with their counterparts in Norway. Among the Danish and Norwegian top clubs there is close cooperation and there is large movement of players between the Danish and Norwegian teams.
- Our Norwegian colleagues who have been so tragically affected have decided to postpone all matches in the Tippeliga this weekend. We want to show our sympathy by starting matches down here in Denmark with a moment of silence.
The DBU has supported this decision from Superliga clubs and the Football Association has been in contact with those clubs with Norwegian players in their squads, or those who are otherwise closely affected.
The DBU has written a statement for spectators in every stadium, which will be read on speaker systems before each game.
All clubs, players and match officials have been briefed directly.
DBU President, Allan Hansen, on behalf of Danish football, expressed his sympathy and moral support to his colleagues at the Norwegian Football Association.
