"Bennet is a clown" could be read on one of the HBK fans' banners during Sunday's Allsvenskan premiere at home on Örjans Vall (0-5 against Degerfors).
The target was Carl Bennet, one of Sweden's richest men, who a few days earlier had announced that he would stop sponsoring Halmstads BK because, in his opinion, the club had failed to remove Bengal fireworks from the stands.
"Not acceptable"
Pyrotechnics were also lit during Sunday's match.
It's an illegal activity and it's sad that you can't respect the laws. Then I can state that these Bengal fireworks were met with boos from other sections. So of course, there are some who think that Bengal fireworks are great, but there's also a large collection of people who don't think it's great, says Bennet to Expressen.
After the match, Halmstads BK has issued a statement where they condemn both the use of Bengal fireworks and the personal attacks on Bennet.
"Regardless of whether it concerns our players, leaders, partners, sponsors, members, or the opposing team's members, it's not acceptable to express oneself in a way that can harm someone personally", writes HBK.
The requirement for sponsorship
For Carl Bennet, it's very clear what is required for him to sponsor the club again.
That there should be no Bengal fireworks.
When asked if he feels that he's creating unnecessary tensions between Halmstads BK and its supporters, he responds:
I don't think I do. I also said a year in advance that we can't support activities that are illegal. I've supported this club for 25 years before that.
