A supporter fell from a high stand during an Eredivisie match between Heracles Almelo and FC Groningen on Saturday evening. That happened in the Asito stadium in Almelo. A Groningen fan fell from the away section through a plexiglass wall and landed in the section below, where a group of children were sitting.
The fan who fell out of the away section was able to get into the ambulance under his own power and was taken to hospital. He is approachable, said Frank van Mosselveld, general manager of FC Groningen. Press photos show other supporters, particularly younger children, very upset after the incident.
The football match was finally stopped in minute 79. It was then 1-1 between numbers 15 and 16 of the Eredivisie.
The fall was the start of great unrest in and around the away sector. The Groningen fans started throwing various objects until the match was stopped by the referee. He was informed by a security officer about the fights that had broken out. “There are only losers in this match,” Heracles director Rob Toussaint said in his response to sports channel ESPN.
Despite the referee’s intention to resume the game when peace had returned, the match was finally stopped around 11:30 PM. “We wanted to continue playing, but due to public order it was said that that is not possible now,” said Toussaint. It is not yet clear when the final minutes of the match will be played.