Section F of the stadium will be kept empty for the game against SC Heerenveen as a punishment
FC Groningen has received a penalty from the Dutch national football organisation (KNVB). It concerns a settlement proposal as a punishment for the lighting of fireworks by supporters prior to the FC Groningen-Ajax match on the Tonny van Leeuwen Tribune. As reported by the Groninger Internet Courant.
This is not the first time that FC Groningen’s fans have caused disruption, and so the KNVB’s prosecutor has imposed a fine of 17,500 euros, and directed that the club close a section of the stadium. Accordingly, Section F at the Hitachi Capital Mobility Stadium (or Euroborg) will be kept empty for four weeks from March 9.
That would mean that season ticket holders in Section F will not be able to access the FC Groningen versus SC Heerenveen match on Friday, April 10. This would be double punishment for the fans: the tie is known as the ‘Derby of the North’, and is known for its spectacular crowd ‘tifos’ and excellent atmosphere.
The club has until March 9 to appeal the decision.
Image: the FC Groningen stadium in 2018. Image via WikiMedia user Rickazio, license here.
