Former Newcastle United fan favourite Jetro Willem has been punched by a fan in an ugly clash which led to an Eredivisie clash to be temporarily suspended. The 28-year-old attempted to play the role of peacemaker as the tensions boiled over in the derby clash between Groningen and Heerenveen, only to be targeted by a supporter of his own club.
Willems spent a solitary season on Tyneside after joining on loan from Frankfurt in the summer of 2019. The versatile star's impact was curtailed after he suffered an ACL injury in the following January, but the Netherlands international is still fondly remembered by the Toon Army having netted memorable strikes against Liverpool and Manchester City.
Willems now represents Groningen, having spent two seasons with German outfit Greuther Furth. The left-back started for the hosts on Sunday, who trailed to a brace from Sydney van Hooijdonk when disgruntled supporters invaded the pitch in the 80th minute.
