Three buses carrying supporters of PEC Zwolle became the target of violent attacks as they approached the Almelo stadium for their Eredivisie match against Heracles Almelo on Sunday, seen as part of the growing tensions surrounding Dutch football fans. The incidents occurred around 1:15 p.m., just 75 minutes before the match was set to kick off at 2:30 p.m.
According to the Almelo Police, something ominous unfolded on the N36/A35 highway near Wierden when fireworks, smoke bombs, and bottles were launched from overpasses targeting police officers accompanying the buses. While no injuries were reported, the attack did cause damage to one of the buses. Police stated, "The attack occurred at approximately 1:15 p.m. as the buses approached Almelo." They have urged witnesses to come forward, particularly seeking out any dashcam footage from vehicles present during the incident.
Despite the violent disruption, the Eredivisie match between Heracles Almelo and PEC Zwolle proceeded on schedule. On the pitch, both teams delivered a thrilling encounter filled with drama and goals, showcasing the undeterred spirit of the sport. The match was marked by several lead changes and emotional highs and lows, much akin to the extraordinary events leading up to it.
The initial momentum swung Heracles Almelo's way early on, as they were awarded a penalty when PEC Zwolle's Damian van der Haar committed a foul. The referee Martijn Vos assessed the foul and initially issued a red card to Van der Haar; nevertheless, after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the decision reversed to yellow, and Brian de Keersmaecker stepped up to take the penalty successfully, putting Heracles up 1-0.
Just moments after falling behind, PEC Zwolle responded dramatically. On the ensuing kick-off, they took just seven seconds to net their equalizer, with Dylan Vente surging through and slotting the ball past Heracles keeper Fabian de Keijzer to bring the score to 1-1. PEC Zwolle’s equalizer sparked optimism among their fans just days after the alarming attack on their fellow supporters.
Unfortunately for PEC Zwolle, the first half proved to be just as turbulent as the events pre-match. After more than half an hour, Anselmo García Mac Nulty reclaimed the lead for Zwolle, converting from Davy van den Berg's well-placed free-kick. This quick turn of events from 1-0 to 2-1 had the visitors celebrating triumphantly. But as halftime approached, the balance shifted yet again, with Thomas Bruns leveling the score to 2-2, taking advantage of some defensive miscues by PEC Zwolle.
The second half saw Heracles Almelo come out firing. Juho Talvite restored their lead at 3-2 shortly after the break, displaying decisive finishing from close range. Heracles extended their advantage when Jizz Hornkamp netted the fourth goal, firmly establishing the home side's superiority at 4-2. PEC Zwolle’s manager Johnny Jansen, attempting to salvage the dwindling hopes by substituting players like Ryan Thomas and Ody Velanas, could not change the course of the match.
The final score read Heracles Almelo 4, PEC Zwolle 2, leaving the visiting team with heavy hearts following the dual defeats suffered, both on the roadway and the playing field. The match was attended by 11,632 spectators—supporters demonstrating resilience and dedication to their teams amid the chaotic and unsettling circumstances.
Reflecting on the violence surrounding the match, the Almelo Police reiterated their commitment to safety, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order around sporting events. Authorities underscored their concern for the safety of fans and are diligently pursuing leads to identify the perpetrators responsible for the earlier attack. "Authorities are particularly interested in reviewing dashcam footage from vehicles," they noted as they continue their investigations.
The scandalous scenes escalate the already sensitive conditions prevalent within football culture. Last week, it was announced the upcoming matchup against Ajax scheduled for Sunday at the MAC3PARK stadium would welcome serious scrutiny. PEC Zwolle’s hopes to make amends after this tumultuous outing hinge on their readiness to perform under pressure next week.
With tensions running high and stakes even higher, PEC Zwolle's squad will need to rally as they are set to face Ajax, who currently leads the league. Kickoff for this match is at 14:30 hours. The mix of the fierce competition and the strains of fan safety will resonate heavily as both teams prepare for what promises to be another emotional encounter.