Feyenoord bans own away fans for NEC and PEC Zwolle matches after fireworks incident

Feyenoord has officially announced a self-imposed ban on its own away fans for the upcoming Eredivisie matches against NEC Nijmegen on Saturday, September 5, and PEC Zwolle, which takes place on Sunday, September 13. The decision was made directly by the club's board as a stern disciplinary response to a severe fireworks incident last Sunday.

The sweeping measure follows the events during Feyenoord’s away match against SC Cambuur. During the opening phase of the match, Feyenoord supporters massed in the away sector, smuggled in and fired heavy fireworks and rockets. A portion of the fireworks crossed directly into the home stands, injuring seven Cambuur supporters who suffered burns, eye injuries, and hearing impairment. Feyenoord’s keeper, Tjark Ernst, was also nearly struck by the pyrotechnics.

Supporters who had already purchased tickets through Feyenoord for the matches against NEC and PEC will receive a full refund. Feyenoord's General Director, Robert Eenhoorn, stated that while penalizing the well-behaved majority is deeply regrettable, the gravity of the Leeuwarden incident left the board with no alternative choice.

Feyenoord is actively reviewing video footage alongside the KNVB, local police, and the Public Prosecution Service (OM) to hand down long-term individual stadium bans.

Prior to Feyenoord's self-ban, the Mayor of Nijmegen, Hubert Bruls, had already warned he would bar Rotterdam fans if no suspects were arrested by next week. Feyenoord chose to act ahead of local government interventions. Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel heavily criticized the stadium security failures that allowed such quantities of pyrotechnics inside. He has summoned the KNVB, police, and major municipalities for a prominent safety summit on September 9.

Authorities are currently evaluating whether extra safety measures are required for Feyenoord’s upcoming home match against ADO Den Haag.