Groningen police arrested a young fan Sunday on suspicion of attacking FC Groningen defender Jetro Willems during an Eredivisie match against SC Heerenveen, NOS reports.
The ugly clash took place yesterday and led to the game being temporarily suspended. Willems was among the Groningen players who attempted to play the role of peacemaker when disgruntled supporters invaded the pitch in the 80th minute – only to receive a punch to the top of his head from a supporter of his own team. The 28-year-old did not appear to be hurt in the incident, with both sides directed to their dressing rooms by the referee.
There were fears the match may have to be abandoned as a result, but it did get back under way as Heerenveen held for a 2-0 victory.
Police have reportedly detained another fan for alleged involvement in the assault. The two men were brought in for questioning Sunday evening. No other details of the investigation have been released yet.
The incident could see Groningen face punishment, but Willems joked about it after the final whistle, telling Dutch media: “I come from Rotterdam-Zuid; I can take a beating, right?”
The Groningen team is fighting relegation this season and has had several incidents of fan trouble as the situation around the club remains uncertain.
