Flares, fireworks and music as ADO Den Haag fans celebrate title win
A large crowd of supporters gathered outside the stadium to celebrate ADO Den Haag’s title-winning squad. Players from Robin Peter’s team were introduced individually on stage, greeted by chanting fans dressed in the club’s green and yellow colors. The festive atmosphere included music by local artists, flag-waving, dancing in the sunshine, and the use of smoke flares.
The club paid tribute to several standout players during the celebrations held on a designated event site set up in the parking area outside the Werktalent Stadium. Steven van der Sloot was voted player of the year, Jesse Bal received the talent of the year award, and captain Jari Vlak ended the season as the team’s top scorer.
Thousands of fans set off fireworks, lit flares, waved flags, and sang songs while the players were celebrated one by one. There were also live music performances by artists like Goldband, well known for their hit “Noodgeval.”
ADO Den Haag will return to the Eredivisie next season after winning the Keuken Kampioen Divisie title. The club had spent five straight years outside the top level of Dutch professional football. Promotion was confirmed on March 17 following a win over Jong FC Utrecht, after which fans have repeatedly celebrated the successful campaign of the Zuid-Holland side. This makes them the earliest team to secure promotion from the second division since 2000.
The official celebration for second-placed SC Cambuur is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, from 12:00 in the area around the Oldehove in central Leeuwarden. The club will join the Eredivisie next season following its promotion.
ADO secured the Keuken Kampioen Divisie title on Friday, April 10. The championship is seen as even more remarkable given the turbulent start to the season. Technical director Joris Mathijsen left shortly before the campaign began after his preferred appointment of coach John van den Brom was rejected by the club’s leadership.
Reporting by ANP and NL Times
