The chaotic match between Heracles Almelo and FC Groningen on Saturday evening was abruptly interrupted and eventually suspended after serious disturbances broke out among the fans. The game, which initially had spectators excited with Heracles taking the lead, devolved after violence erupted between rival supporters.
It all started promisingly for Heracles when Luka Kulenovic scored within the first twenty minutes after Mario Engels set him up beautifully. The jubilant atmosphere took a turn when FC Groningen leveled the score with Romano Postema converting a penalty shortly after halftime, making it 1-1.
But as the competitive play continued, trouble brewed among the fans. Referee Rob Dieperink had to direct players to their locker rooms ten minutes before the match was scheduled to resume. Reports indicated disturbances as objects were thrown from the FC Groningen supporters’ section to the stand below, which housed Heracles fans.
"There was information indicating there was a fight on the stands. A person fell down. It was advised to not continue playing. If we hear from the police it is safe, we will resume the match after warming up," Dieperink explained during his appearance on ESPN.
The situation escalated as police arrived on the scene to assist stewards, who were trying to manage the unruly FC Groningen supporters. It was then reported by authorities and club representatives alike, including Frank van Mosselveld, General Director of FC Groningen, who stated: “This unfortunate evening has no winners.”
Evidently, the incident had its direct causalities. One FC Groningen supporter attempted to stand on the Plexiglas barrier separating their section from other fans. That was not meant to support anyone's weight; tragically, he fell through. The injuries were serious, resulting not only in physical damage but also gripping the surrounding crowd with shock.
"The night began festive with great support from the full away section. Until the incident," lamented van Mosselveld, emphasizing the emotional toll the night took especially on families with children who were present.
The fallen supporter was quickly attended to and taken to the hospital, with reports indicating he sustained injuries including broken ribs and pneumothorax. John de Jonge, Chairman of the FC Groningen Supporters Association, noted how the injuries could have been worse, wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured party.
Despite efforts to maintain order and resume the match, reports surfaced of additional tensions outside the stadium, prompting officials to decide against continuing play. Rob Toussaint, Director of Heracles, indicated the discomfort and disappointment stemming from the evening’s events. He stated, "We hoped to resume, but due to public order, it was said we could not continue.”
Discussion now turns to the logistics of scheduling the remaining minutes of the match, which spent 12 minutes hanging over uncertainty after the initial halt.
At the time of suspension, the match was tied, and the result left both teams and their supporters with heavy hearts. The focus for both clubs now shifts toward the safety and recovery of their supporters and preventing such incidents from recurring. This event stands as a stark reminder of the potential hazards present when passions run high at sports events, and the shared responsibility of management and supporters alike to maintain safety.
“The supporter fell when trying to stand on Plexiglas; it's not built for it and he fell. Injuries are serious but he is recovering, fortunately," said de Jonge, echoing sentiments among those who witnessed the turmoil.
Indeed, as the future of this match remains uncertain, what looms larger is the need for increased vigilance surrounding the safety of spectators at sporting events. The words of Toussaint and van Mosselveld resonate deeply: “This evening only has losers”—a sobering reflection on what football is meant to represent: unity, passion, and safety for everyone involved.
