Seven SC Cambuur supporters were injured by fireworks set off from the away section during their Eredivisie home match against Feyenoord, the club from Leeuwarden has confirmed. The injuries range from burns to hearing and vision damage after a large-scale setting off of fireworks from the Kooi Stadion's south stand.
Injuries confirmed after stadium disturbance
Cambuur's initial statement on Sunday evening listed the number of injuries as five. An update on Monday afternoon then increased that total by two to seven. Play was paused in the 12th minute for 10 minutes due to the disruption. Feyenoord went on to win 5-2.
The statement shared on Sunday evening reads: "What should have been a football party between SC Cambuur and Feyenoord was marred in the twelfth minute this afternoon by the large-scale setting off of fireworks. From the away section in the South stand, Feyenoord 'supporters' not only set off fireworks, but also fired towards the field and the surrounding stands."
Club statement and official response
"Five injured supporters are to be regretted with burns, hearing damage and eye damage as the main injuries. It goes without saying that all care and attention goes out to these injured supporters, and everyone at the club sympathises enormously."
"The match was eventually resumed after a strike of about ten minutes, and this is in line with the protocols of the KNVB and in consultation with the parties involved. It should be clear that setting off and firing fireworks is completely unacceptable and in no way belongs in a football stadium. Together with the authorities, we will do everything in our power to track down and punish the perpetrators."
They then added in an update barely 24 hours later: "Following on from the message below, we can now unfortunately report that not five, but seven supporters fell victim to the fireworks from the away section yesterday afternoon at the match between SC Cambuur and Feyenoord."
Search for perpetrators under way
"There has now been personal contact with six of these victims, and we would also like to get in touch with the seventh person to provide appropriate aftercare and to assist with advice and assistance."
"In addition, there will also be an official report from the club towards the perpetrators. The search for these people is in full swing under the leadership of Feyenoord, and in cooperation with all parties involved. A new update will follow later this week."
Feyenoord general manager Robert Eenhoorn also condemned the incident. He said: "It is of course especially terrible for a number of injured Cambuur supporters. I don't understand the reason either, because normally you hear something in advance."
"It's also not the first time that something like this happens in the away section. It would be a shame for the benevolent supporters if we are punished with an empty away section. Our own goalkeeper gets a rocket at him and can just avoid him."
