Overview
- About 150 hard‑core supporters blocked De Graafschap’s team bus on Sunday, forcing the derby at the GelreDome to be cancelled and leaving roughly 15,000 spectators without the match.
- De Graafschap has issued 50 local stadium bans for those involved, said it will file charges, and has suspended taking supporters to away matches until March 31 while the club enforces immediate security measures.
- The KNVB has opened a formal investigation, sent written questions to the club for the disciplinary committee, and can propose punishments that may include nationwide bans or points deductions.
- The blockade grows out of long‑running tensions between the Spinnekop hard‑core group and club leadership after governance changes under former director Hans Martijn Ostendorp, with anger also linked to a last‑minute Arnhem decision to bar away fans.
- De Graafschap warns of a prolonged conflict that could affect team morale and matchday safety, and heavy police presence is planned for upcoming home fixtures as the club and authorities prepare for further incidents.