FC Utrecht under fire as fans misbehave

The referee in Wednesday night’s Dutch Cup match between Ajax and Utrecht was forced to halt the game for a time after Utrecht supporters threw fireworks on the pitch and sang racist songs.


The match was stopped for some 15 minutes after Ajax scored a third goal, news agency ANP reported. There was no more trouble after the match resumed.
Last year a league match between Utrecht and FC Twente was disrupted by fans and eight police officers were injured in rioting after the game.
Stadium ban
Utrecht’s director Wilco van Schaik said he also heard the racist chanting. ‘Unfortunately it is not just one or two people,’ he is quoted as saying by Nu.nl. ‘It is difficult to ban everyone from the stadium but we are preparing measures.’
He dismissed suggestions that pre-match entertainment, including loud house music, fireworks and a laser show had helped create an intimidating atmosphere.
The referee is now making a full report to the Dutch football association which will decide what, if any, action to take.
According to the Telegraaf, police made nine arrests after the game when trouble broke out between rival fans.

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