Feyenoord supporters threw fireworks and red flares from the away section during the Eredivisie match against SC Cambuur on Sunday in Leeuwarden, injuring five home fans and disrupting the game [1, 2, 3, 4]. The match was stopped for around 20 minutes in the first half while officials dealt with the incident [1, 3, 4].
Among the injured were fans who suffered burns, hearing damage, and eye injuries from the fireworks [1, 2, 3, 4]. Some of the fireworks were deliberately aimed at Cambuur supporters. One flare exploded just a few meters from Feyenoord goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, narrowly missing him [1, 3, 4]. Robert Eenhoorn, Feyenoord’s general manager, called the situation "simply terrible" and said, "Our own goalkeeper had a flare fired at him and only just managed to avoid it" [1].
Despite the injuries, the match resumed and Feyenoord won 5-2, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season [1, 3, 4]. Officials said the game would have been abandoned if a player or match official had been hit [1, 2, 3, 4]. SC Cambuur, newly promoted to Eredivisie, have lost all three of their opening matches this season [1, 3, 4].
Cambuur condemned the use of fireworks in the stadium, stating, "It should be clear that setting off and firing fireworks is completely unacceptable and has no place in a football stadium whatsoever" [1]. The club pledged cooperation with authorities to identify those responsible [1, 2, 3, 4]. Leeuwarden mayor Foort van Oosten also condemned the incident and promised an official investigation [1, 2, 3, 4].
The Dutch football association KNVB said it would review protocols regarding disorder incidents following the event. Jan Bluyssen, KNVB’s manager of professional football competition affairs, said, "That doesn’t feel right. We need to examine whether the protocol is still appropriate and how we might want to adjust it" [1, 2, 3, 4]. Feyenoord stressed they strongly distance themselves from the events and will request stadium camera footage to identify culprits [2].
Eenhoorn noted the problem "does not only affect Feyenoord" and has persisted for decades, adding, "We will therefore have to sit down again with all stakeholders, clubs, the KNVB, and the authorities to look for a solution together" [2]. Feyenoord head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst apologized on behalf of the club to SC Cambuur after the match [2].
A similar fireworks incident caused an Eredivisie match between Ajax and Groningen to be abandoned last season [2].
SC Cambuur issued a public statement on Monday confirming the five fans injured and condemning the use of fireworks inside the stadium [1, 3, 4]. Authorities and clubs continue investigating the incident.
