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Crowd Surges and Fireworks Mar PSV Title Celebration

Widespread rule-breaking exposed weak crowd control.

Overview

  • Stadhuisplein, which hit its 20,000 capacity Tuesday, was closed to new arrivals before groups later forced through shut gates and first aid was called for people stuck in the crush.
  • Authorities had banned flares, fireworks and bags with entry checks, yet many fans smuggled items in and lit dozens of flares when the players appeared on the balcony.
  • The nearby Markt also closed at capacity as some fans climbed fences, with police and riot units pulling people down and a reporter seeing people pass out near the barriers.
  • On Rechtestraat, a lit fireworks pot toppled and fired into the crowd, lightly injuring a man in the leg and triggering panic.
  • Even with the safety issues, thousands lined the route for the traditional flatbed cart parade, singing to the team as DJ La Fuente video-called former striker Luuk de Jong.