Former Newcastle defender Jetro Willems was punched by a supporter as tensions boiled over in a Dutch top-flight fixture on Sunday.
Groningen hosted rivals Heerenveen at Euroborg and the atmosphere turned toxic after the visitors took a two-goal lead through Sydney van Hooijdonk. There was a pitch invasion in the 80th minute and furious fans in the Z-side stand had to be restrained by stewards, who were at risk of being overwhelmed.
Willems was among the Groningen players to help those attempting to keep the peace, going over to the fans and pleading with them. It was at this moment that a fan reached over the supporters in front of him and punched the former Netherlands international on the top of the head.
