De Graafschap’s supporters’ action prior to the match with Jong Ajax (1-1) on Friday has not gone unnoticed in the foreign media. The selection of trainer Mike Snoei was accompanied on the way to Amsterdam by a procession of tractors, which led to atmospheric scenes and a long traffic jam on the A18. The heart under the belt turned out not to be enough to force direct promotion to the Eredivisie, as the Super farmers got no further than a 1-1 draw. The club spoke about the presence of about 150 tractors.
The procession gathered in the evening at stadium De Vijverberg, from where the De Graafschap’s team bus left for the duel with Ajax’s promises team. Fans then took to the highway to accompany their team, causing delays for other road traffic, Rijkswaterstaat reported on Twitter. The special moment of good-bye was also not neglected in the foreign media. “The supporters turned a main road into a highway to the sky when they waved goodbye to the players’ bus, a farewell rarely seen,” wrote The Sun.
“If they manage to get a promotion, they will undoubtedly look for the cream of the crop with players like Gareth Bale and Harry Cane,” followed jokingly. “Insólita caravana de tractores en Países Bajos!”, the Argentinian newspaper headlined Olé, “an unusual procession of hikers in the Netherlands. The entire city of Doetinchem is known as Super farmers. The triggers were beautifully matched to the club colors. Very special. ”A reporter from DAZN described Doetinchem as ‘a postcard of the Dutch countryside’.
The campaign was also discussed in Germany. Sportschau accompanied a video with the text ‘Super farmers Super farmers, hey hey’ and also 11 Freunde was impressed. “What images. We rarely see this. The whole village has come out to help their heroes get promoted.” The tractors left the motorway at Didam, which quickly resolved the traffic jam. The drivers of the tractors have not been fined for driving on the motorway, Rijkswaterstaat wrote.
About 150 tractors accompanied the De Graafschap players’ bus on Friday evening.
On their return to Doetinchem, the selection was awaited by a few dozen supporters, who welcomed the team with fireworks and authority despite the disappointing result. Gelderland broadcaster reported that several reporters were attacked. A press photographer injured his hand while trying to protect his equipment. Due to the draw, the decision for second place will be finalized on the last day of play. De Graafschap will receive Helmond Sport on Wednesday and must prevent Go Ahead Eagles, Almere City or NAC Breda from coming alongside.
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