FC Utrecht-Go Ahead Eagles abandoned after fireworks and cups thrown

FC Utrecht’s home match against Go Ahead Eagles was abandoned on Saturday evening after objects were thrown onto the pitch from a section containing the home club’s most vocal supporters. Referee Martin van den Kerkhof first halted play with Go Ahead 3-0 ahead after fireworks landed on the field.

The game resumed and Utrecht quickly reduced the deficit to 3-1, but another stoppage followed when cups were thrown from the same area. Following consultation involving the relevant authorities, including the municipality and police, the decision was made not to continue. It was the first Eredivisie match of the season to be abandoned permanently.

Utrecht general director Edo Keuning said the club would work to identify those responsible and take appropriate action. He said Utrecht had followed the required protocols and strongly distanced itself from the conduct. Go Ahead defender Joris Kramer told ESPN that the remaining portion would probably be played behind closed doors on Monday or Tuesday, although no confirmed date was given in the report.

Utrecht coach Anthony Correia focused largely on his side’s display after the abandonment. He said they had created few major opportunities before collapsing, but maintained that Utrecht could still overturn the two-goal deficit when the final half-hour is played. Go Ahead coach Joseph Oosting said “football has lost”, while also describing the incident as unpleasant and noting the impact of the loud explosion.