Friday, January 28, 2022 at 4:49 PM• Jeroen van Poppel • Last update: 16:53

The Gelderse derby between Vitesse and NEC will be played on Sunday 27 February, regardless of any relaxation of the rules, without away supporters. Mayor Ahmed Marcouch has decided this in consultation with the clubs, the police and the Public Prosecution Service, Vitesse announced. The disturbances after the derby in Nijmegen on October 17 are the reason for the decision.

The first Gelderland derby of the season was won 0-1 by Vitesse in October, but afterwards it was mainly about the collapsed branch and the disturbances that took place after the game. In view of these events and to prevent public order from being disrupted again, Mayor Marcouch has decided not to allow away supporters at the next edition of Vitesse against NEC. The mayor wants to discuss with everyone involved whether the derby can be played again next season with supporters of both clubs.

“It is fantastic that the corona situation now allows us to visit the stadium again, although that is currently only allowed with a third occupancy,” says Marcouch. “The football stadium must be a place where you can safely enjoy an exciting match. together with your children and friends. There have been too many incidents in recent months that have forced me to make this decision.”