Go Ahead Eagles match abandoned after second firework bang

Go Ahead Eagles’ match at SC Cambuur was abandoned after visiting supporters set off fireworks for a second time, prompting the referee to stop the game for good. The incident came after the referee had already suspended play following a loud bang in the away end.

The match in Leeuwarden was halted in the 80th minute, when Go Ahead were trailing 4-0. It resumed after half an hour, but play was stopped permanently shortly afterwards when another loud firework bang was heard.

Go Ahead Eagles general director Jan Willem van Dop said he was angry with the supporters responsible. “I’m fed up. A few troublemakers are spoiling it for everyone again. When will this stop?” he told ESPN in his initial reaction, according to Dutch news agency ANP.

Since mid-September, stricter rules have applied in Dutch professional football: matches are to be abandoned immediately if fireworks are thrown or fired on to the pitch or into other stands.