KNVB warns fans wearing face coverings risk 9-month stadium bans
The Dutch football association KNVB said supporters who enter stadiums wearing face-covering clothing risk a nationwide stadium ban of nine months. The news follows incidents in which masked PEC Zwolle fans delayed the kickoff of the IJsselderby against the Go Ahead Eagles and set off fireworks in the away section, RTL reports.
The incidents occurred on Sunday in Deventer, where supporters from Zwolle refused to remove face coverings in violation of stadium rules and ignored orders to leave. Riot police (ME) were deployed to remove them from the stadium. The match started more than 90 minutes late.
The KNVB emphasized that face-covering clothing is prohibited in stadiums. “With this action, a small group ruins it for many football fans to enjoy the match,” a spokesperson said.
The association said it hopes as many offenders as possible are identified and punished, and added that it will support clubs and local authorities in enforcement.
Separately, some Zwolle supporters set off fireworks in the away section. The KNVB said that the offense carries a nationwide stadium ban of 18 months.
