Fraser after discontinued duel: “I don’t think I should solve Vitesse’s problems”

Pascal van Wijk, general director Vitesse, spoke clear language shortly after it was clear that the match had been discontinued ,,This is a black day for the Vitesse family, the real supporters and not for two or three people who ruin it for the rest. I spoke to that boy, his eyes were blurred and he spoke German, so that boy is not from here anyway. The police have arrested him. Those who threw beer are in the picture and they can expect a long stadium ban. This does not belong to us. We don’t have a following with serious problems. I’m not going to start about corona or other social problems, this just doesn’t belong on a football field. I don’t know the exact regulations, but I’m going to give away points. That the Sparta players did not feel safe: we have to respect that.”

Sparta captain Adil Auassar spoke to ESPN: ,,I’m glad everyone is well. It was an accumulation of incidents. An ESPN cameraman was also targeted. It is a shame. With all due respect, if the stewards don’t intervene when someone comes onto the field. Vitesse must take good care of the guests and ensure safety. Do we have to come back for six minutes? The penalties in the Netherlands on and off the football field may be considerably higher.”

Sparta coach Henk Fraser was very displeased with the state of affairs in Arnhem, but kept himself fairly to the point in his comments to ESPN. ,,Well, what else can I add besides that this is insane? A supporter comes onto the field who are not stopped by a steward, a lighter is thrown and you see a fireworks bomb. I’m dealing with a team fighting for the points, that’s what I’m dealing with. If we had played through those six minutes, we would have been at a disadvantage. I don’t think I should solve Vitesse’s problems. It is now up to the KNVB and Vitesse.”

Vitesse coach Thomas Letsch was of course also disappointed by the following incidents with supporters of his club: ,,I heard that initially we would continue playing, but later I understood that Sparta did not want to continue. It is clear from which quarter the problem came and I also understand that Sparta did not want to continue.”

Referee Rob Dieperink was also disappointed by the sad ending in Arnhem: ,,If the keeper is attacked by objects, I decide to guarantee the safety of the players. The management of Sparta indicated in consultation with the players not to continue playing. That has to be the deciding factor. In the course of next week, the KNVB will make a decision about the six minutes that still have to be played.”

The incident will now be investigated by the disciplinary committee of the KNVB† The investigation will focus on the question of guilt for the incident. The professional football board will then have to decide what to do with the remainder of the match. There are three options here. The intermediate score (0-1) becomes the final score, the match must be continued from the moment of abandonment or the match must be replayed in its entirety.