A Dutch second-tier match between Vitesse Arnhem and De Graafschap was called off after away team supporters blocked their own team's bus from departing. De Graafschap fans were protesting the decision to ban away fans from attending the derby at Vitesse's Gelre Dome stadium. Fans gathered outside their stadium in Doetinchem early on Sunday and blocked the bus, preventing the team from reaching the venue.
The Dutch Football Association referred the matter to disciplinary bodies, stating that supporters making football impossible is "completely intolerable." Vitesse had decided to ban away fans based on police information and security consultations, proposing an allocation of 500 fans cut from the standard 800, dependent on inspections of fan paraphernalia. Over recent weeks, Vitesse, police, and the municipality offered various options to meet conditions, but police indicate a portion of supporters insisted on bringing prohibited items.
Vitesse director Willem van der Linden called the cancellation a "major disappointment," noting a wonderful derby in a well-filled stadium could not go ahead. De Graafschap said they were "shocked by the incident" and want to assess the situation before responding further. A new date is yet to be announced, but Vitesse intends to hold the game under the same circumstances.
Vitesse are 10th while De Graafschap sit in 15th in the standings after the weekend's fixtures.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing