Twice the players of FC Utrecht and RKC Waalwijk had to go inside because a cup was thrown on the field from the stands. The referee did not stop the game definitively. Both teams came out again, made a statement and kept their legs still.
“We want to make a statement as football players,” said RKC captain Michiel Kramer at ESPN. “What is happening here is not in proportion to the 19,000 supporters who behave properly. Football is being destroyed. If you have to go in for fifteen minutes every time, it takes the whole rhythm out of football. We don’t want that.”
Captain Nick Viergever of FC Utrecht shared that opinion. ,,The rules are clear, but this is already the sixth game that has been stopped. Football is a fun outing where you go with your children. We want to have fun and need the fans to support us. This behavior does not belong here. A few just ruin it for the rest.”
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He was relieved that the game was played out after all. The rules officially state that the game will be permanently stopped if something lands on the field for a second time. “This is just not fun. We want to play a good match, then it is a pity that you have to go in for these kinds of things all the time.”
Kramer: ,,Now it is always emphasized that we are going inside. We shouldn’t go all the way and go in for every little thing,” said the RKC captain. “I’m 34 years old now if I’m inside for fifteen minutes every time, then that doesn’t make me any smoother.”
Mayor involved in consultation
Referee Ingmar Oostrom also came in front of the ESPN cameras. “The protocol is indeed a permanent strike, but ultimately other influences and interests, such as public order, also play a role. The mayor makes the decision. After the second time, consultations were held with various parties and the mayor was also involved. That was no surprise, because that is also described in the protocol,” he said. “I have a small role to play. I get the instructions.”
The arbitrator knew nothing of the statement. ,,I then asked both captains: are we going to do it like this? Then the two minutes were up. I’m glad the game is finally over. But I prefer to talk about other things, such as great goals or great actions.”
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