“The fact that Vitesse is no longer admitted to professional football, after 133 years, is really unimaginable,” says Marcouch. “I have said earlier that Vitesse is much more than a stadium or budget on paper as well as the second oldest club in professional football. It is a way of life for many Arnhemmers. The club ensures solidarity and connection. That is now in danger of falling away in one fell swoop and that is a gigantic damper.”
Vitesse against withdrawal license rejected; Club left only to court
Marcouch speaks of an unprecedented loss for his city. “Now that Vitesse is left to court for Vitesse, since the competition starts on August 9. We have to wait, but all parties might have prevented it. I call all Vitessenaren to stand behind the club again with all the positive energy and to keep hoping for a good outcome.”
Supporters Association Vitesse ‘Larged and Speechless’
Susanne Wichhart, the chairman of the Vitesse supporters’ association, is’ lamed and speechless’ now that the club seems to be definitively lost. Last year the club from Arnhem received the license after a professional case, but not this time. “It feels different now, it seems like I’m in a big hole,” says Wichhart by telephone from abroad.
The decline of Vitesse: how club completely collapsed in over three years
The chairman does not yet know whether there will be a statement of support from supporters. “I think everyone is there a bit like me at the moment, paralyzed.” An hour after the news from the Appeals Committee of the KNVB it was quiet in the center of Arnhem.
Vitesse expects to challenge the decision to court. “I am clinging to every spark of hope, but for now the disappointment and sorrow dominates,” says Wichhart.