Many Willem II fans broke out in a sweat on Friday. Not only because of the tropical temperatures, but especially because of the competition for tickets for the most important match of the season. After a lot of hassle, supporters are allowed to go to the second final match of the play-offs in Volendam on Saturday. “Just light a candle,” says a nervous Wil Spaninks from Tilburg.
The redeeming word only came this Friday morning. It had previously been decided that Tilburg supporters were not welcome. The reason was the disturbances after the FC Volendam – Telstar match last Sunday. But that decision has been reversed.
Wil: “I had to cheer enormously. It would be really unfair. We should not be the victims of the behavior of others.”
Tilburg must beat FC Volendam by two goals – then they will be promoted to the Eredivisie. Jean-Pierre van Dommelen: “It’s make or break. Then you want to be there! I’ve pooped on the sidelines more than once in the past.”
To pray
The tickets arrived online at three o’clock sharp on Friday afternoon. There were four hundred places. The two traditionally lit a candle in the Hasselt Chapel. “Give them victory, Blessed Virgin Mary,” they prayed.
In any case, praying did not help the two get tickets. Bad news appeared on the screen under the watchful eye of the Omroep Brabant camera. Within seconds the ticket was no longer available. “This is a shame! That will go to the fan square tomorrow,” the two conclude.
