The cup match between SV Spakenburg and PSV was startled on Tuesday evening by hurtful chants directed at Xavi Simons. The attacker annex midfielder was called ‘gay’ several times, to a melody known in the football world. “Sad and distasteful,” writes The Telegraph. This is how a historic evening – never before scored an amateur team in the semi-final of the TOTO KNVB Cup – ended in a sad way.
That the singing has not gone unnoticed by people at home, is apparent from a telephone call made to the canteen of Spakenburg. It Eindhovens Dagblad writes late on Tuesday evening that an anonymous caller has complained about the chants. “It was indicated by telephone that this should not happen again. The employee involved at the amateur club, who took the call, would pass it on to the club,” adds PSV watcher Rik Elfrink.
The cup match at sports park De Westmaat was logically sold out. The necessary fireworks and a tractor on the field with party music provided a great atmosphere during the warm-up. However, Spakenburg supporters misbehaved during the first half. Part of the home crowd was targeting the flank player, who was hurled despicable texts at his head and heard ‘Xavi Simons is gay’ coming from the stands for minutes.
Simons himself spoke to Hans Kraay junior about a ‘special day’. “It was special,” said the attacker ESPN. “We knew that in advance. A great club with great fans who support their team. We had to start the game focused and take our chances, then we knew we would have a great chance. You want to win a semi-final, then you can go to De Kuip for the final. Ajax or Feyenoord, that will be a great match.”