A match in the second tier of Dutch football was abandoned after ugly scenes in the tunnel, which saw one player lose three teeth. Police were also required to separate supporters in a dramatic afternoon.
Incident at halftime
The incident occurred at halftime of the Tweede Divisie clash between Ijsselmeervogels and GVVV. It was Ijsselmeervogels defender Quiermo Dumay who was left with the injuries.
The player completed a move from GVVV in the summer. Reports in the Netherlands claim that he was hit in the face as he made his way into the players' tunnel after the half time whistle, reports the Daily Star.
Players refuse to return
Players were spotted emerging from the tunnel in the wake of the incident, calling for medical assistance, with some reports indicating they subsequently refused to take to the pitch for the second half.
Police and stadium security moved to restrict access to the tunnel as the decision was taken to abandon the match. The trouble threatened to spill out beyond the stadium, but officers managed to keep the fans separated.
GVVV chairman responds
GVVV chairman Hans Schinkel spoke to RTV Utrecht about the incident: "I have seen the photo, and your first thought is: what has happened? You want to know what has happened. We will hear that shortly. I believe an investigation is now underway.
"A report has even been filed with the police. But I do not know what happened, so I cannot pass judgement on it. I do not think it was an IJsselmeervogels player who dealt the blow.
"But of course you never know what the reason was. But whatever happened, it can never be justified.
"Let us be very clear about that. It could well have consequences for GVVV. But I am happy to leave that to the KNVB. I am not a specialist in that."
Club and KNVB statements
A statement posted on social media read: "The board of G.V.V.V. deeply regrets the course of events following the end of the first half during the away match against IJsselmeervogels. G.V.V.V. distances itself from what happened and strongly condemns.
"The board will take appropriate measures as soon as more details about the situation that has arisen are known."
The KNVB added: "Our colleagues on the Disciplinary Committee will take up the strike on Monday to handle it. The first step is to request statements from the parties involved.
"Subsequently, the Disciplinary Committee will conduct an investigation and issue a ruling. As soon as a ruling is issued, it will be determined how and when the remainder of the match will be played."
