The drum's introduction has been divisive and controversial within the supporter community in Bergen, with Kevin Ellingsen collecting over 2,000 signatures against it, according to reports. Traditionally, Brann fans have been proud of their 'Anglophile' style, where singing should rise and fall in tune with what happens on the pitch, driven only by vocal power, sources say. Supporters who have fought for the drum believe it is necessary to keep the pressure up throughout 90 minutes and unite the whole stadium in one common roar, they argue. Brann is one of the very last clubs to try to introduce drums at the stadium, highlighting the clash between old and new fan cultures, as noted by observers.
Brann has had a tough start to the Eliteserien, suffering their third heavy defeat on Sunday, sources indicate. The parties are set to meet for a reconciliation meeting at Brann Stadion on Wednesday evening, which will include supporters from Felt X (representing the 'no' side), Ultras (who introduced the drum), Brann, and Bataljonen leadership, according to plans. The next home match at Brann Stadion is against Ålesund on Wednesday, April 22, as scheduled.
The whole 'Store Stå' has always sung 'We shall crush the drum, we are Brann'. And now we are suddenly supposed to have drums.
Several people, including Brann coach Freyr Alexandersson, have pointed out that there has been a lot of noise from the stands, they report. The noise comes not only from the drum but also from supporters arguing with each other, sources say. The drum has not yet made its entrance among the supporters in a fully integrated way, according to accounts.
It hasn't quite sunk in for me.