Haasta Disaster
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The Haasta Disaster was a serious incidence of football hooliganism and violence in Neuvesto, Olmeria. The incident occurred at the conclusion of the second leg of the 1926 Haasta Cup semi-final between amateur teams Jørpedal FK and Aletv Samfet FK, as a result of unexpected crowd sizes and insufficient police presence. It remains one of the worst instances of footballing violence in Olmerian history, and influenced the introduction of more stringent club regulation, and later the creation and rules of the Olmerian Football Leagues.
Background
Amateur Football in the 1920's
The Haasta Cup
Jørpedal FK
Aletv Samfet FK
Events
Build-Up
The Match
Instigation
Violence
Aftermath
Immediate Consequences
Casualties
Short Term Reforms
Legacy
OFL
Memorial
The Haasta Disaster has been remembered not just by it's lasting impact on footballing regulation, but also for it's devastating human impact. It was remembered annually by Jørpedal FK, up until their disbandment, by a small local memorial service, and a minute of silence at the closest match to the disasters anniversary. Aletv Samfet also mark the anniversary, holding a memorial and reflection moment during half time of the closest home game to the day. Up until 1986, Samfet also observed a minutes silence at these games, but the practice was scrapped after 60 years, with fans voting to switch to a half time tribute.
In 1976, a memorial was erected outside the original Olejern Park to recognise the disaster on it's 50th anniversary. It was defaced in the Kristenson Riots of 2024, but a community fundraiser later paid for it's restoration.
Continued Impact
Interpretation and Sociological Study
The Haasta Disaster has drawn the attention of a number of philosophy, criminology, and sociology scholars as one of the only modern examples of such raw and widespread human violence. Of particular interest to many academics has been the spread of the violence, and how and why it escalated so quickly. The incident has been cited in a number of papers about human nature, violence, and crowd behaviour.