Akademisk Boldklub A/S Responds to the Additional Ruling Against Head Coach Fannar Berg Gunnólfsson

On September 11, 2026, Akademisk Boldklub A/S received a letter from the Football Disciplinary Board of the DBU. It was regarding their final decision based on the referee’s report concerning AB head coach, Fannar Berg Gunnólfsson, and his conduct in connection with the match between Kolding IF and AB on August 29, 2026.

While we accept the final decision, AB refutes the extreme mischaracterization of the situation as presented by Bold, as they executed no due diligence in reaching out to AB for comment.

In response to the referee’s report, AB presented a statement to the DBU, which included a statement and apology by Fannar Berg Gunnólfsson and submitted video evidence to support our head coach’s explanation of the events.

AB’s statement included an apology and admission of kicking the advertising board and clapping as he left the pitch. In all his years coaching, Head Coach Fannar Berg Gunnólfsson has never received a red card before. Lastly, we do not recognize the perception of what happened after the game, which has also been documented in the video recordings sent to DBU. He was unaware it was not allowable for him to re-enter the pitch after the red card. Head Coach Fannar Berg Gunnólfsson sought to apologize in person to the referees for this before leaving the stadium, but was refused.

"I am sorry that it was not possible to talk about things and learn and become more knowledgeable about all this, despite a calm dialogue being sought. I am aware that as a head coach you have a responsibility towards the appearance shown during football matches which led to the red card, and therefore I am of course also aware that I must take the whole episode as a lesson, which can hopefully form the basis for an even better version of myself in the future,” said Head Coach Fannar Berg Gunnólfsson.

"We have reviewed video and image material for the match, and support our head coach and know that his intentions for communication and clarity are sincere. He’s thanking the opponent’s staff, hugging players and walking calmly to do what he always does after games, including to shake hands with the referees. This is out of respect. As documented on video he left with no objections when he was asked to by the steward, when he was half way down the pitch to thank our fans for coming to the game as usual.

We know Fannar has in no way intended any harm or protest. He is passionate about his work, and simply wants to understand why things happen and develop the way they do. If it has come across in an inappropriate way in this case, we know he regrets that.

As a club, we apologize for the entire incident, and of course hope our apology was shared with the referees, who had a different perception of it all. We are aware that "reality is in the eyes of the beholder," so we will definitely take it as a lesson, and use it to become better as an organization," said Casper Reinhardt, Director of Football Operations