Vitesse announced that its match against De Graafschap was called off on Sunday after safety concerns about away fans.
Away-fan limit imposed
Serious disturbances surrounding last year's meeting between the two sides led to a limit of 500 De Graafschap away fans for the fixture, down from the usual 800.
Fans of De Graafschap stopped their team's bus because they were angry that they were not allowed to attend.
Safety conditions and police information
De Graafschap had to meet explicit safety conditions, including allowing inspections of fan display materials before supporters arrived.
Vitesse said police information and talks with De Graafschap revealed on Saturday that some supporters were refusing to comply with the conditions. Supporters reportedly insisted on bringing fan display materials in a way that breached the agreements made.
Security decision
Local security authorities considered it irresponsible to admit away fans because they feared further disturbances.
Mayor's explanation
Ahmed Marcouch, the mayor of Arnhem, explained: “Football belongs to everyone. But hospitality is not a licence to disregard safety agreements. Over the past few weeks, we have given De Graafschap every opportunity, ample time and every means to ensure this match could take place safely with away fans present.”
He explained: “Another attempt was made on Saturday to reach workable agreements. But if supporters say in advance that they do not want to abide by the conditions and their own club cannot guarantee that the agreements will be observed, then that is the end of it.”
