Column Hugo Borst warns: Fouilleren is for airports, not stadiums

Column Hugo Borst’s column juxtaposes the reckless fireworks launched by Rotterdamse supporters in Leeuwarden with his stark claim that fouilleren belongs on airport security, not football grounds, after five Cambuur fans suffered burns, hearing loss and eye injuries during the Cambuur‑Feyenoord clash.

Fireworks chaos in Leeuwarden

Feyenoord fans set off fireworks in Leeuwarden, unloading 23 boxes of explosives that ignited in the stands. The fireworks were launched by Rotterdam supporters from the Rotterdam fan section. Five Cambuur supporters suffered burns, hearing damage and eye injuries, while several Cambuur and Feyenoord players and officials watched the incident from the pitch. The match rules state that if a supporter is hurt the game continues, but if a player or official is struck the match must be stopped immediately. The author notes that a hit on the goalkeeper would have halted the contest.

Club response and call for regulation

A mayor in Zandvoort, who allegedly coordinated a bizarre protocol involving the transport of the 23 dozen fireworks, was cited as the source of the risky arrangement. The protocol described the fireworks as being carried in a shield and deployed three hours later in the hostile stadium, a method the columnist likens to airport security procedures. The mayor’s presence in Zandvoort rather than Leeuwarden raised questions about accountability.

Na half hour of play the two sides resumed the match, with the out‑box still littered with debris. Feyenoord began scoring, and Cambuur managed two consolation goals, ending the game 2‑5. By the final whistle the 23 boxes of fireworks were exhausted, leaving only the aftermath of injuries and disorder.

Mayor van Oosten slams Cambuur for fireworks breach against Feyenoord

The new general director of Feyenoord issued a statement that the fireworks episode was “worthless” and condemned anyone who endangers others with pyrotechnics. He said, “If you hit other people with a firework, you should be ashamed,” and warned that perpetrators would face a stadium ban. The comment was published alongside the © ANP / DPG MediaFeyenoord-fans photo that documented the incident.

Former club authority Robert Eenhoorn recalled that under former chairman Jorien van den Herik the club sometimes struggled to contain violence, suggesting that stronger legislation is needed. He pointed to English football law, which imposes a reporting duty and allocates more police funding, as a model. He argued that only firm language and clear authority can keep clubs in control of their own stadiums.

The stark contrast between the chaotic fireworks assault and the club’s call for stricter rules underscores a growing urgency for better regulation of fan behaviour. As Hugo Borst’s column argues, fouilleren may belong at airports, but football venues now demand equally rigorous security measures.