No FC Utrecht supporters are welcome in Volendam tonight. The local triangle (mayor, chief officer and police chief) decided this at the very last minute. There were indications that there would be confrontations between supporter groups from Volendam and Utrecht. Things also went wrong after the match last season.
The FC Utrecht supporter buses were already on their way to Volendam when they had to turn around again. According to a statement from the municipality, the decision was made after information from various sources.
“Based on this information, there was fear of serious disorder, as a result of which the safety of people inside and outside the stadium could not be guaranteed. There was reliable information showing that the away fans were planning to break out of the visitors’ section,” the statement said. can be read in the written statement.
“Reluctance”
“Partly due to the fact that in the previous season after the FC Volendam – FC Utrecht match also disturbances were, the triangle has made this decision. This decision was taken carefully and with great reluctance, because everything had been done to ensure that this competition was safe and hospitable.”
FC Utrecht has said it regrets the decision because it was taken at such a late stage. Fans have therefore incurred unnecessary costs, according to the club. The management and Supervisory Board of Utrecht declare their solidarity and will also not travel. The FC Utrecht supporters home is open where the match is broadcast on multiple screens.
The away section therefore remains empty in the FC Volendam stadium. The match is of great importance for both clubs: Volendam is last and Utrecht has slipped to the penultimate place.
The match starts at 8 p.m. and can be followed live on NH Radio.