Use fireworks, go home: Dutch football’s new diktat

The match was halted ‌for around 20 minutes in the first half after Feyenoord fans in the away section lit large numbers of red flares ‌and threw fireworks.  | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Dutch football matches will be abandoned if ​fireworks are used in the ‌stands according to a new agreement between the KNVB, the Public Prosecution Service and Justice and Security Minister David van Weel.

Dutch media reported the development which follows last month where several fans were left with burns, hearing damage and eye injuries after visiting fans threw fireworks during a league match between SC Cambuur and Feyenoord in Leeuwarden. Five fans were injured, Cambuur said.

“From now on, the rule is: if fireworks are ‌used, the match is over ​immediately and the entire stadium can go ⁠home,” Van Weel told Dutch newspaper AD.

The match was halted ‌for around 20 minutes in the first half after Feyenoord fans in the away section lit large numbers of red flares ‌and threw fireworks. Some were ​aimed at sections housing Cambuur supporters, while one ⁠exploded on the pitch just a ⁠few metres from Feyenoord goalkeeper Tjark Ernst.