Heracles Almelo, PEC Zwolle supporters clash, heavily damage café in Nijverdal
A confrontation between Heracles Almelo and PEC Zwolle supporters in Nijverdal on Sunday morning left a local café heavily damaged, police and eyewitnesses told RTV Oost. Windows were smashed, furniture was destroyed, and flares were thrown inside the café. The incident occurred before the two clubs’ match in Almelo.
Between 40 and 50 Heracles fans gathered at Café In de Gauwe Geit on Joncheerenlaan for food and drinks before departing for the game at 11 a.m. Around 10:30 a.m., a group of PEC supporters, some wearing hooded sweatshirts and covering their faces, confronted them.
Owner Gert de Jong, who was in the kitchen at the time, described the chaos. “There were two children there, so we quickly brought them inside. Only then did we realize what was happening,” he told RTV Oost. “At one point, they threw flares inside. I was afraid the café would catch fire. Thankfully, that didn’t happen.” The confrontation lasted about five minutes, but De Jong said the impact was severe.
No injuries were reported. The police confirmed that no arrests had been made so far and that they were reviewing available security footage. Video clips of the incident have circulated widely on social media.
