Cambuur Fans Suffer Burns and Eye Injuries After Fireworks Thrown During Feyenoord Match

At least five fans suffered injuries after fireworks were set off and thrown during the Dutch league match between SC Cambuur and Feyenoord in Leeuwarden on Sunday.

The incident forced the match to be stopped for around 20 minutes during the first half after supporters in the visiting section lit numerous red flares and threw fireworks toward other areas of the stadium.

SC Cambuur said some supporters suffered burns, hearing damage and eye injuries as a result of the incident. The club said five injuries had been confirmed and that it would cooperate with authorities to identify those responsible.

One of the fireworks also landed on the pitch just a few metres from Feyenoord goalkeeper Tjark Ernst.

Feyenoord general manager Robert Eenhoorn condemned the incident, saying the goalkeeper had narrowly avoided a flare that was fired in his direction.

Match Resumed Despite Fan Injuries

The match eventually resumed despite the injuries suffered by spectators. However, Dutch football authorities said the game would have been abandoned if a player or match official had been struck.

Jan Bluyssen, the KNVB's manager of professional football competition affairs, questioned whether the existing safety protocol remains appropriate.

The Dutch football association said it would review its procedures for dealing with incidents involving disorder and fireworks at football matches.

Cambuur and Local Authorities Condemn Incident

Cambuur strongly condemned the use of fireworks inside the stadium, saying such behaviour has no place at football matches.

Leeuwarden Mayor Foort van Oosten also condemned the incident and said an investigation would be carried out.

Authorities are expected to examine footage and other evidence to determine who was responsible for throwing the fireworks.

Feyenoord Win 5-2

Despite the disruption, Feyenoord completed a convincing 5-2 victory over Cambuur.

The result extended Feyenoord's unbeaten start to the new league season, while newly promoted Cambuur have now lost all three of their opening matches.

The incident is likely to increase scrutiny on stadium security and the enforcement of rules surrounding flares and fireworks at Dutch football grounds.