Police say De Graafschap did not request help during bus blockade

Police were not called to intervene when De Graafschap supporters blocked the club’s team bus, according to the East Netherlands police. The club’s director, however, said officers were involved from the start and tried to get the bus moving.

The bus was blocked at the Doetinchem stadium on Sunday as it was due to travel to Arnhem for a match against Vitesse. The first-division fixture was eventually called off. A previous report on the blockade and the dispute over away fans said the protest followed Arnhem authorities’ decision to bar De Graafschap supporters from the match.

A police spokesperson told ANP that the force had received no request for support from the club. “If that does not happen, we cannot act,” the spokesperson said, adding that an official request and approval from the competent authority were required before police could intervene.

De Graafschap director Marco Bogers told ANP that police, the club’s board, players and coaching staff had all tried to get the bus moving, but supporters would not be persuaded to let it go.