Dutch football may turn to ‘English model’ in push to tackle hooliganism

Security deal with a pitch invader in front of smoke bombs during the Eredivisie match between FC Groningen and Ajax in May. Photograph: ANP/Getty Images

The Dutch football season finished this month with a narrow victory for Twente against Sparta Rotterdam. It was a notable encounter for two reasons: first, because thanks to the Eredivisie’s playoff system, it meant Twente qualified for European football next season; and it also passed without incident, provided a reassuring end to what had been a troubling year.

Six weeks earlier at the league fixture between Twente and Rotterdam, supporters had hurled objects at players from the stands. Both clubs have had matches called off because of hooliganism in the past year, as have Utrecht, Go Ahead Eagles and RKC Waalwijk.