He can be seen on thousands of TVs on Sunday evening. Tom Kuiper (26) from Assen is sitting in the stadium of Fortuna Sittard and tears are in his eyes. FC Groningen lost 3-1.
Hi Tom, how are you?
“It sucks. It’s final. It’s finished. It is very unrealistic to think that you will stay in the Premier League. A victory was not in it today, actually not all season.”
You are now on your way to Groningen with the supporters bus. How’s the mood?
“A few people in the back are happy, but the rest are down. There is resignation.”
Then you travel 630 kilometers up and down to Sittard, and then this…
“Well, FC Groningen played quite well. We had a lot of possession, but we didn’t create anything. And yes, Fortuna Sittard shoots three…”
After the final whistle, the players make a round of the away section and the camera zooms in on you. Did you notice that?
“No not at all. I was quite emotional. We are relegated and next year, with all due respect, we have to go to Helmond Sport. I have had a season ticket with the FC since 2007 and I have not experienced this yet. Now I’m on the bus with fellow supporters. We laugh and drink a beer. That helps to put things into perspective.”
What do you think about being in the picture like that?
“I think it is a good picture of FC Groningen’s season, but it would also have been good if it was someone else.”
Have you already had many reactions?
“Yes, especially from friends and family and former colleagues. They empathize with me and think my emotion is beautiful. It’s really very friendly, but it’s no use to you.”
Next week FC Groningen will play against FC Utrecht at home. What do you think?
“To be honest, I don’t trust it at all.”