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Fans block their team bus, game canceled

Netherlands - tifz

The Dutch second division match between Vitesse and De Graafschap was called off on Sunday after fans of the away team blocked the bus. The fans prevented their team bus from leaving for the match.

De Graafschap announced on Saturday that its fans had been banned from attending the match in Arnhem after fan groups failed to reach an agreement with authorities regarding ticket reductions and other security measures.

According to reports in Dutch media, De Graafschap fans gathered outside the stadium in Doetinchem early Sunday and blocked the departure of the bus.

The Dutch Football Association announced in a statement that the match would not take place on Sunday and that the matter would be referred to the disciplinary bodies.

"It is an unacceptable situation that the Vitesse – De Graafschap match cannot take place in this way. The fact that fans make it impossible for football to take place is completely intolerable," the statement said.

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"By doing so, they harm their club, their team, the sport and the thousands of fans who come to watch football."

De Graafschap said it was shocked by the incident.

"We want to let the initial emotions calm down and create a full picture before coming up with a more detailed response," the club wrote.

Meanwhile, the club issued another statement saying it had hit a low point in its history. The club understands the frustration of the fans, but says a line has been crossed that should never be crossed. De Graafschap has decided to waive fan support for away matches until March 31, 2027. It has also warned of disciplinary measures against those involved. The police are also dealing with the issue of the bus blockade.

Vitesse manager Willem van de Linden called the cancellation a "big disappointment".

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"A wonderful Gelderland derby, between two regional clubs and in a packed stadium, did not take place. We as a club did everything possible for the match to take place," he said.