The Willem II-NAC match was definitively stopped on Sunday afternoon after fireworks were thrown on the field. When supporters threw things on the field in the first half, the game was also stopped. The stadium speaker then asked the supporters to stop. Still, early in the second half, fireworks landed at the corner flag, after which referee Edwin van de Graaf again halted the game. The score was then 0-3 in favor of NAC.
It is one of the most loaded derbies in the Netherlands. Willem II against NAC Breda is a neighborly quarrel that is very much alive among both supporters groups. Supporters from Breda were welcome again on Sunday afternoon, but it was a sad football afternoon that was over after 52 minutes of playing time. NAC Breda was leading 0-3 at that time.
Loaded match
The deployment of quite a few police and mobile units around the King Willem II Stadium early on Sunday afternoon already indicated how emotionally charged the match is. According to police spokesman Eric Passchier, there was a normal deployment around a derby. “We have not taken any additional measures, but can scale up if necessary.”
Last year, away supporters were not welcome during the derby in Tilburg and Breda. This decision was taken after consultation between the mayors, police, the Public Prosecution Service and the clubs. The safety of supporters, stewards, security guards and emergency services could no longer be guaranteed, a statement said.
300 away supporters
This season a new round, new opportunities. With 300 away supporters, half of the maximum capacity of the away section. And with extra safety measures, such as more stewards from NAC Breda. At Willem II they were secretive about the measures to make possible rioters none the wiser.
In any case, the possession of fireworks was not properly checked, because dozens of flares were set off when the players came up. In the second half, a flare was also thrown on the field, after which referee Edwin van de Graaf stopped the match for the second time. In the first half he did that after objects were thrown on the field at the 0-2. A supporter from the stands was then removed from the box.
The only supporters who could cheer were those of NAC Breda. From an extra secured compartment with plexiglass walls and meter-high nets since this season so that nothing could be thrown. That throwing was possible from the other stands and meant that the derby ended in a sad way. When the game will be played is still unclear.
Unrest outside the stadium
After the match, it was a bit restless outside the stadium. NAC supporters had to stay in the stadium, while the Willem II supporters went outside. Those Willem II supporters threw cans, but also with a wheelie bin and fences. The ME had to intervene several times.
By six o’clock the supporters buses of the NAC fans could leave.