World

Cambuur fans suffer burns as fireworks set off during Dutch league match

Al Jazeera · 2026-08-24

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: During a Dutch league match on August 23, 2026, SC Cambuur fans suffered injuries, including burns and hearing damage, after Feyenoord supporters set off fireworks and smoke flares in the stadium. The match was temporarily halted for safety reasons. • Why it matters: The incident raises serious concerns about fan safety and the use of fireworks in football stadiums, prompting the Dutch football association to review its protocols for handling disorderly conduct during matches. • What to watch next: Investigations by local authorities and the Dutch football association will determine accountability and potential changes to safety measures, as both clubs face pressure to enhance security and prevent future incidents.

**Title: Cambuur Fans Injured by Fireworks During Dutch League Match**

**Leeuwarden, Netherlands** – In a troubling incident during a Dutch league match on August 23, 2026, several fans of SC Cambuur sustained injuries, including burns, hearing damage, and eye injuries, after fireworks were set off by visiting supporters of Feyenoord. The match, held at Cambuur's home ground in Leeuwarden, was temporarily halted for approximately 20 minutes due to the dangerous situation.

The chaos erupted when Feyenoord fans ignited a series of red smoke flares and threw fireworks into the stadium. Some of these projectiles were aimed towards sections occupied by Cambuur supporters, while one firework exploded on the pitch near Feyenoord's goalkeeper, Tjark Ernst. Feyenoord's general manager, Robert Eenhoorn, described the incident as “simply terrible,” highlighting the close call for Ernst, who narrowly avoided being struck by a flare.

In a statement released on Monday, SC Cambuur confirmed that five fans had been injured in the incident. The club expressed its commitment to collaborating with local authorities to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the dangerous behavior. “It should be clear that setting off and firing fireworks is completely unacceptable and has no place in a football stadium whatsoever,” the statement read.

The Mayor of Leeuwarden, Foort van Oosten, condemned the actions of the Feyenoord supporters and pledged to initiate an investigation into the incident. In light of the events, the Dutch football association (KNVB) announced that it would review its existing protocols regarding disorderly conduct at matches. Jan Bluyssen, the KNVB manager of professional football competition affairs, indicated that the current protocols would be re-evaluated to determine their adequacy, especially in light of the potential for serious injury to players or officials. “That doesn’t feel right,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of safety measures.

Despite the injuries and the disruption caused by the fireworks, the match resumed, and Feyenoord ultimately secured a 5-2 victory, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season. In contrast, the loss marked a disappointing continuation for Cambuur, who have now lost all three of their opening matches in the league.

As the investigation unfolds, both clubs and the football association are under pressure to ensure the safety of fans and players alike, and to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Source: Al Jazeera
RELATED NEWS

More Stories

All News
World

South Korea says US cancelled upcoming joint marine exercises over Iran war

• What happened: The United States has canceled the upcoming Ssangyong joint amphibious landing exercise with South Korea due to military force availability con...

World

New Zealand to introduce bill for under-16s social media ban

• What happened: New Zealand is set to introduce a bill that would ban individuals under 16 from using social media platforms, requiring companies like TikTok a...

World

Activists occupy UK aircraft parts factory over Israel links

• What happened: Pro-Palestine activists from the group 'People Against Genocide' occupied a Martin-Baker factory in the UK, protesting against the co...

World

Former NBA player Enes Kanter ejected after confrontation with WNBA’s Cloud

• What happened: Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from a WNBA game after a verbal altercation with Natasha Cloud of the Chicago Sky during a ti...

World

Israel accused of using kites as pretext to justify escalating Gaza attacks

• What happened: Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of three Palestinians, including a four-year-old child, following accusations that...

World

Photos: Towering landfill collapse kills 30 in Guinea’s capital, Conakry

• What happened: A massive landfill collapse in Conakry, Guinea, resulted in at least 30 fatalities after heavy rains triggered a landslide that buried nearby h...