The remainder of tonight’s deciding game between Hovocubo and Tigers Roermond is cancelled. The Limburgers do not agree with the conditions of the KNVB to play the game on the Campus in Zeist. There are still 5.36 minutes left on the clock and a 2-0 lead for Hovocubo.
“I just received an email from the KNVB that Tigers has cancelled,” says Tineke Diaz. You would say good news for Hovocubo. Since the futsal club from Hoorn would then go through to the final, but Hovocubo’s spokesman does not trust it completely. “I’m afraid there’s a catch, because I haven’t read black and white yet that we’re going through to the final.”
vials
Last Sunday’s third and decisive game was abandoned due to a disturbance on the field, after which spectators threw bottles on the floor. Subsequently, supporters also entered the field and the referees decided that it was wise to visit the changing rooms. After consultation, the party was not resumed.
“I don’t know if Tigers is throwing in the towel with this or is busy with something else,” said Diaz. “Outside the sports hall, Tigers is a very social club, but within the lines they show very different behavior.” If a team in the competition does not show up, the club in question will receive a hefty fine and points deducted and the match will be replayed. “Now there are no points, because in the play-offs it is about winning or losing. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tigers are working on a plan.”
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“Unfair”
Diaz: “We have had a very emotional week with the team and Sander van Dijk in particular.” Hovocubo’s trainer lost his father and the cremation was Saturday a day before the decision game. “Our team was constantly harassed during the match and Sander was even threatened once,” says the spokesperson for the futsal club from Hoorn with a lump in her throat. “And then there is one moment when he reacts emotionally to that. This feels so unfair, it brings tears to my eyes.” Van Dijk received the red card for this and a Tigers Roermond player was also sent off. Both would not be welcome tonight in the hall where the game was played without an audience.
Research
The prosecutor of the KNVB is investigating the incident and will issue a ruling in a few weeks. Meanwhile, the final for the national title starts on Friday as planned. Defending champion Hovocubo will then probably start the best-of-three series with a home match in Zwaag against FC Eindhoven, which put Amsterdam’s Lebo aside in two matches.
Friday 23 June is the return in the city of light. If both teams have won once, the decision will also be made in Eindhoven on Sunday 25 June.