Both KIF Örebro and ÖSK Fotboll have criticized the artificial turf at Behrn Arena after an unusual increase in knee injuries last year. According to the Swedish Football Association's guidelines, a poorly maintained artificial turf pitch can be directly dangerous to play on, increasing injury risks, especially for knees. Clear seams, holes, and raised parts have been observable from the stands.
Fredrik Andersson stated that problems were not addressed correctly, with height differences between new and old strips and holes you can stick fingers into. Due to these deficiencies, the team has adapted training, planning exercises to avoid bad parts, which Andersson called not optimal. However, Örebroporten, responsible for the pitch, thinks it is in good condition and notes it was patched and repaired where necessary last year, with replacement planned for July.
Both clubs emphasize it is not possible to be sure the turf caused all injuries, but neither believes the spike is a coincidence. Johan Eriksson noted significantly more knee injuries last year, including the first cruciate ligament injuries since 2022. The exact number and types of injuries compared to previous years have not been disclosed.