The pitch-black day for relegated Willem II in twelve photos

A welcome from the players’ bus like in a boy’s book. A twelfth man who stood as one block behind the plow. A handsome 3-0 victory over FC Utrecht, and yet relegation from the Eredivisie. Willem II experienced a day of extremes on Sunday. The pitch-black day of the Tricolores in twelve photos.

1 – Arrival of the team bus
It is death or gladioli and the Tilburg supporters know it. Fans are on their feet en masse to guide the players bus to the stadium.

Photo: OrangePictures.
Photo: OrangePictures.

2 – Atmosphere
The atmosphere in the stadium is also mouth-watering.

A phenomenal atmosphere in Tilburg (Photo: OrangePictures).
A phenomenal atmosphere in Tilburg (Photo: OrangePictures).

Photo: OrangePictures
Photo: OrangePictures

4 – Huddle
One last message for the eleven who have to do it against Utrecht. Anything other than winning is straight to the first division.

Photo: OrangePictures.
Photo: OrangePictures.

5 – Dream Start
What a relief when Jizz Hornkamp takes care of the liberating 1-0 early on. Willem II’s stadium explodes.

Photo: OrangePictures.
Photo: OrangePictures.

6 – Jubilee scores
And it gets even more beautiful. Dries Saddiki crowns his hundredth game in the red-white-blue with a beautiful stripe and the 2-0.

7 – Match decided
Kilian Ludewig and Jizz Hornkamp celebrate the third, an own goal by FC Utrecht. 3-0 and thus the pot decided. Now we have to wait for good news from Nijmegen, where competitor Fortuna Sittard takes the lead at NEC. The people of Nijmegen have to score to help Willem II.

8 – The Great Wait
The match has long since ended, but Nijmegen is still being played. The wait is almost unbearable.

Photo: OrangePictures.
Photo: OrangePictures.

9 – Drama
But the liberating news from Nijmegen does not come. Trainer Kevin Hofland knows it: end of the Eredivisie.

Photo: ANP.
Photo: ANP.

10 – Disbelief
Score in your hundredth duel. The knowledge that number 101 in the Kitchen Champion Division is. Dries Saddiki can’t believe it.

Photo: OrangePictures.
Photo: OrangePictures.

11 – Disappointment
Pol Llonch. The symbol for ultimate disappointment.

Photo: ANP.
Photo: ANP.

12 – Anger
A number of supporters can’t control themselves and storm the field afterwards. One man is knocked out.

Photo: ANP.
Photo: ANP.

ALSO READ: Drama in Tilburg: Willem II relegated despite victory over FC Utrecht

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