The derby clash between city rivals Royal Antwerp and K. Beerschot V.A. in the Belgian football league abruptly ended late in the second half on Sunday after visiting fans threw fireworks onto the pitch.
With Beerschot trailing 4-0 in the 75th minute, a section of travelling supporters unleashed flares, creating a thick plume of purple and white smoke—reflecting the club’s colors—that engulfed the playing area. In response, a line of riot police formed a cordon in front of the visiting fans to maintain order.
In light of the chaotic situation, Beerschot issued a statement announcing its decision to forfeit the match for safety reasons, following consultations with Antwerp. Currently, Beerschot finds itself at the bottom of the top-tier Jupiler Pro League standings, having amassed only one point from nine matches.
“We understand the frustration of our supporters, and we share that frustration,” the club stated. “However, we strongly condemn the actions of these individuals and will take measures to identify and sanction the supporters involved.”
The abandonment of the match highlights ongoing concerns regarding crowd control and safety in football, as both clubs and authorities work to address such incidents in the future.
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