Against increase in foreigners – players strike in the National League – sport

What a demonstration in the Swiss ice hockey stadiums:  The  players of the Swiss National League clubs went on strike together on Saturday evening.

 The  five games in the top Swiss league were kicked off properly. But after the first face-off, the players refused to work in all stadiums and retired to the players’ bench. In doing so, they protested against the planned increase in foreigners.

Players roll out banners

“

 The  youngsters are our future, the fans our backbone and ice hockey our life”, it said on banners that were rolled out by the players on the players’ benches in the five NL stadiums. After 2 minutes the games continued as planned.

 The  strike was organized and coordinated by the SIHPU players’ union.

 The  players’ union was supported by all fan clubs of the NL teams.

Foreigners show solidarity

Only the players were privy to it.

 The  foreigners and foreign players with Swiss licenses showed solidarity with their Swiss teammates and also took part in the strike.

SIHPU President Jonas Hiller announced shortly after the league’s decision that the players would defend themselves against the league’s action.