A heated drum debate has characterized Bergen this winter, gaining attention outside the city limits. On Sunday evening, the drum debuted when Brann faced Tromsø at Brann Stadion. Traditionally, Brann fans have been proud of their 'Anglophile' style, where singing should rise and fall in rhythm with what happens on the pitch, driven only by vocal power.
Almost the entire elite series has long had drums as fixed inventory on the terraces, but Brann is one of the very last clubs trying to introduce this at the stadium. Opposition to the drum has been vocal, with Kevin Ellingsen collecting over 2000 signatures with the slogan 'Stop the drum'. Supporters who have fought for the drum believe it is necessary to keep the pressure up through 90 minutes and unite the whole stadium in one common roar.
The whole 'Store Stå' has always sung 'We shall crush the drum, we are Brann'. And now we are suddenly supposed to have drums.
Sunday's match was really lousy; Brann lost on the pitch and it felt like they also lost on the terrace. It has been a tough start to the elite series for the Bergen team, which suffered its third heavy defeat on Sunday. Several, including Brann coach Freyr Alexandersson, have pointed out that there has been a lot of noise from the terrace.
The noise does not only come from the drum; it comes from supporters arguing with each other. When the atmosphere between groups is experienced as so poor, it drags the rest of the stadium along; it becomes passive and quiet. According to what NRK has learned, the parties will meet for a reconciliation meeting at Brann Stadion on Wednesday evening.
It has not quite sunk in for me.
Supporters from Felt X, representing the no-side of the issue, and Ultras who introduced the drum will meet for mediation. Brann and Bataljonen leadership are also participating in the meeting. On Saturday, it's time for the west coast derby when Brann meets Viking away.
The next home match at Brann Stadion is against Ålesund on Wednesday, April 22. Now the leadership calls for respect and support from Brann supporters.