On a tense Saturday afternoon at De Goffert, the match between NEC and Willem II was overshadowed by a serious incident involving NEC midfielder Dirk Proper. The game, which took place on May 3, 2025, was halted twice due to medical emergencies, with the most alarming moment occurring in the 41st minute when Proper collided head-on with his teammate Koki Ogawa during an aerial duel for the ball.
As the two players went for the header, panic ensued when Proper fell to the ground, remaining motionless. The immediate reaction from players on both teams was one of shock as they formed a protective circle around the injured players. Referee Danny Makkelie swiftly called for medical assistance, and the stadium was filled with an eerie silence as everyone awaited news.
Proper was treated on the field for several minutes before being carried off on a stretcher to applause from the concerned crowd. Thankfully, the stadium speaker announced that Proper was conscious and doing well under the circumstances. He was subsequently taken to the hospital for further examination. Meanwhile, Ogawa, who appeared to recover quicker, was able to continue playing.
The match had already seen its share of drama before the incident, with Willem II taking an early lead. Just half a minute into the game, Calvin Verdonk inadvertently scored an own goal, deflecting a cross from Emilo Kehrer into his own net, putting Willem II ahead 1-0. As the game progressed, the tension mounted, leading to the unfortunate collision that would halt play.
After the match resumed, another medical emergency arose when a supporter in the stands became unwell, prompting a second stoppage. The NEC medical staff rushed to assist the individual, who was later able to leave the stadium independently after treatment.
Despite the interruptions, the match concluded with a 1-1 draw. NEC managed to equalize late in the game, thanks to Kento Shiogai, who stepped in as a substitute for Proper. The draw was crucial for both teams as they continue to navigate the relegation battle, with Willem II sitting at 16th place in the league.
Following the match, Willem II captain Erik Schouten expressed his frustration at the situation, particularly regarding the performance of NEC's coach, Rogier Meijer, stating, "A very sad little man." This comment reflects the heightened emotions surrounding the match and the ongoing struggle both teams face as they fight to secure their positions in the league.
As the league progresses, the focus will shift back to the players' health and safety, especially concerning Proper's condition and the protocols in place for handling such injuries. The incident has sparked conversations about player safety in football, which remains a critical issue in the sport.
With the season winding down, both teams will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures, hoping to avoid further injuries and secure vital points in their quest to stay in the top tier of Dutch football.
