adSep 11, 2026, 13:00

Football matches to be stopped immediately if fireworks are set off

Football matches in the Netherlands will now be immediately abandoned if fireworks are thrown onto the pitch or into stands, with the remainder of the game played on a different date. This new safety policy follows several dangerous incidents that caused injuries to fans and aims to deter the use of fireworks as weapons in stadiums.

Football matches in the Netherlands will now be immediately abandoned if fireworks are set off that land on the pitch or in other spectator areas. The remaining portion of the game will be scheduled to be played on a different day rather than being resumed after a short delay. This new policy is a joint decision made by the KNVB, the Public Prosecution Service, and Minister David van Weel to prioritize the safety of innocent fans. Recent dangerous incidents, such as an occurrence during a match between Cambuur and Feyenoord that resulted in injuries to seven supporters, prompted this strict measure. Officials have observed that fireworks are increasingly being used as weapons, making it necessary to implement a zero-tolerance policy. Authorities and police are also working to improve stadium security and identify individuals who smuggle contraband into games. Club officials have already begun issuing stadium bans to identified perpetrators to further discourage the dangerous practice and protect spectators.

Politics Culture Netherlands

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Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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