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Arrests and Damage at De Kuip
Police arrested two suspects over the incident, but both have since been let go. They are a 21-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy from Alphen aan den Rijn. On Wednesday, a spokesperson would not say whether the two are still considered suspects, or whether investigators are looking at anyone else.
Videos shared on Instagram by De Noordzijde, an account run by Feyenoord's hardcore supporters, show dozens of flare-like objects flying toward De Kuip while the home side trailed 3-0. Some hit the stadium itself, and others landed on the roof. A witness at the ground saw the fireworks burn a hole through the roof, and a few spectators left their seats for a while. Nobody was hurt. Play stopped for a short time after one projectile reached the pitch.
How badly the roof has been damaged is still unknown, and Feyenoord says a closer inspection is needed to find out. The club also said the pitch was damaged. It plans to file a formal complaint and hopes to recover the cost from those responsible.
Coach Reacts as UEFA Threat Looms
Head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst was clearly annoyed after Feyenoord's 3-0 defeat. "That obviously shouldn't happen, and it will probably result in another fine," he told the post-match press conference. Still, he was relieved that the fireworks did not go off inside the ground and that none fell among the fans. The club always hangs nets around the pitch for European home games to stop objects landing on the playing surface. "This time, the fireworks were set off from outside the stadium," Van Bronckhorst said. "What can you do about that?"
The timing is awkward for Feyenoord. The club is still carrying a suspended UEFA sanction after crowd trouble at last season's Europa League home game against Panathinaikos. Any new incident at a European match could trigger that punishment. Because these fireworks came from outside the stadium, it is unclear whether UEFA will act. If it does, the club could be forced to close parts of the stadium for future European home games. Feyenoord's next Champions League home match is against FC Porto on November 24.
