Feyenoord fans’ fireworks attack leaves five injured

LEEUWARDEN: A football match in the Netherlands descended into chaos after Feyenoord supporters allegedly fired fireworks towards sections occupied by SC Cambuur fans, leaving five spectators injured and forcing the league game to be temporarily suspended.

The incident occurred during Sunday’s match at the Kooi Stadion in Leeuwarden, with the trouble erupting around the 12th minute. Feyenoord supporters in the away section began setting off a large number of red flares before fireworks were launched towards the pitch and nearby home supporters.

The explosions sent smoke across the stadium and prompted the referee to take the players off the field. Play was halted for around 10 minutes, according to SC Cambuur, before the match eventually resumed.

Cambuur later confirmed that five of its supporters had suffered injuries. The club said the injuries included burns, hearing damage and eye injuries. The injuries were not considered life-threatening, but the incident sparked widespread condemnation.

The danger was not limited to the stands. One firework landed on the pitch only metres from Feyenoord goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, who managed to avoid being struck.

Feyenoord strongly condemned the behaviour of its own supporters and apologised to Cambuur and those affected. General manager Robert Eenhoorn described the incident as deeply troubling, while the club said it would obtain available stadium footage to identify those responsible. Those identified could face stadium bans.

Cambuur also said it would work with authorities to track down and punish the people responsible, stressing that fireworks have no place inside a football stadium.

The incident has also raised fresh questions about safety measures at Dutch football grounds. Leeuwarden’s mayor announced an investigation, while the Dutch football association, KNVB, said it would review its protocols for dealing with crowd disorder.

Feyenoord eventually won the match 5-2, but the result was overshadowed by the violence in the stands. For the injured Cambuur supporters and both clubs, the afternoon became a stark reminder that passionate football support can quickly turn dangerous when pyrotechnics are used as weapons.