Elin, 23, Assaulted at Hockey Game: 'Deeply Disturbed'

Elin, 23, was assaulted during a hockey match: 'Deeply Disturbed'

In the fall of 2023, Skellefteå played against Modo in the SHL at Hägglunds Arena.

Elin Nejne, along with her younger sister, traveled to Örnsköldsvik to support the away team.

Wearing their team colors, the sisters cheered as Skellefteå took a comfortable three-goal lead.

A man in the audience did not like what he saw. The Modo supporter, who admitted to having consumed four or five strong beers, retaliated when the home team scored in the third period.

The man struck the sisters in the head five times before shoving his scarf in their faces.

– The whole incident is very unpleasant. You felt scared about what it could lead to. Fortunately, it was nothing more than those hits, and we filed a police report. But I was very shaken afterward, says Elin Nejne.

– It was mostly disturbing that someone would take the liberty to do that. I've been to a lot of hockey games and never experienced anything like this before. I've attended several rivalry matches and never encountered this. Using violence, simply put.

Met in Court: 'Felt Strange'

She describes how her younger sister, along with a friend, fetched security guards who took everyone aside after the match.

It was then the younger sibling who persuaded her to file a police report.

– Yes, I was very shaken. So it was my little sister who had to step in, says Elin Nejne.

The man, despite his denial, was convicted of minor assault, as first reported by Örnsköldsviks Allehanda. He is now required to pay damages to his victims.

Elin Nejne describes the time from the report to the conviction as stressful. She says the charge 'hung over their heads.'

The trial was not particularly pleasant either.

– It was a rather skewed experience. I have no previous court experience. And meeting him again was like... Well, it felt strange.

In what way?

– It was like reliving everything. In court, you have to recount everything, so it was a bit like reliving the incident again. And I would have preferred to avoid that.

Satisfied with the Verdict: 'Would Have Been Really Disappointed'

The dedicated Skellefteå supporter is satisfied that the man was convicted in court.

– I think it's proof that what he did is not okay. I think that's important. I would have been really disappointed if it were the other way around. If they had ruled that he hadn't committed any assault.

And she is not afraid to attend hockey games in the future.

– I've been to many hockey games even after that match. It's nothing they will take away from me. Of course, I'm now richer in experience. But I trust the hockey culture. And hopefully, he's just one among many, says Elin Nejne.

– I still think it's important that we did this. It turned out the way it did, and maybe we can contribute to people daring to take a stand. Because I don't think this is something you should just tolerate when you go to a hockey game. Violence is not okay.

Will you continue to wear your team colors and celebrate every goal?

– Absolutely, I will.