Fans suffer firework burns and eye injuries in Eredivisie

Dutch club SC Cambuur reported fans suffering burns, hearing damage and eye injuries after Feyenoord supporters threw fireworks during a league match on Sunday. Play was halted for approximately ten minutes in the first half when visiting fans in the away end at Kooi Stadion lit numerous red flares and launched fireworks. Some of the fireworks were directed at areas with home supporters.

SC Cambuur confirmed five fans had been injured in a statement. Feyenoord expressed their firm disapproval of the events and head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst apologized on behalf of the club. The club stated fireworks are completely unacceptable in a football stadium and would collaborate with authorities to ensure those responsible face consequences, while Feyenoord requested camera footage.

Last season, an Eredivisie match between Ajax and Groningen was called off due to fireworks and flares ignited behind a goal at Johan Cruyff Arena. SC Cambuur's general manager Robert Eenhoorn expressed his dissatisfaction with the victory, noting frustration was too prevalent. He called for a meeting with all stakeholders, including clubs, the KNVB, and authorities to find a solution together.

Leeuwarden mayor Foort van Oosten condemned the incident and pledged an investigation, while the Dutch football association pledged to review its protocols for disorder incidents. The match continued despite the fan injuries, but it would have been abandoned if a player or match official had been hit. KNVB manager of professional football competition affairs Jan Bluyssen stated that the current protocol needs to be examined and potentially adjusted.