Mayor Issues Warning to PSV and FC Fans: Behave During Match or Face No Spectators Next Time
Utrecht's Mayor, Sharon Dijksma, has issued a stern warning to fans of PSV and FC Utrecht ahead of their Sunday clash, urging them to keep things in check. Dijksma threatened that if the atmosphere surrounding the football match escalates, the next one might have to be played without an audience.
The mayor's concern stems from a recent incident where the police thwarted a potential clash between hooligans from both clubs in the neighboring municipality of Maarssen. Six individuals, aged between 22 and 30 and hailing from Utrecht and Stichtse Vecht, were arrested, and weapons were confiscated.
In a statement on Saturday evening, Dijksma emphasized the need for a peaceful match day. "Tomorrow is the match between FC Utrecht and PSV. This match would be better without intervention from the riot police. Utrecht's Mayor, Sharon Dijksma, has issued a serious warning ahead of the upcoming match between PSV and FC Utrecht. She's made it clear that if things get out of control during this Sunday's football clash, the consequences will be significant – the next match between these clubs in Utrecht might just happen without any spectators present.
Dijksma emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during the match, stating, "There are limits to what we can accept." Her concern is rooted in a recent incident where the police successfully intervened, preventing a potential brawl between hooligans from the two clubs in the nearby municipality of Maarssen. The severity of the situation was underscored by the fact that weapons were confiscated during this prevented confrontation.
"Otherwise, as far as I am concerned, the next match between the clubs in Utrecht will be without an audience," warned Dijksma. The mayor's message is crystal clear – the line has been drawn, and any further escalation beyond acceptable limits could have significant consequences for the fans and the atmosphere at future matches in Utrecht.
Turning to the sport itself, PSV has the chance to set a remarkable record in their away match against FC Utrecht on Sunday. The Eindhoven team aims for an unprecedented eighteenth consecutive victory in the competition, a feat achieved only once before by PSV in the 1987/1988 season under coach Guus Hiddink.
Highlighting their current prowess, PSV has clinched victory in their last twelve away matches in the Eredivisie. Should they secure another win, they will match their own record for consecutive away victories, set between December 2015 and September 2016. During that period, the team, currently topping the charts, won an impressive 13 league matches in a row outside Eindhoven, a testament to their dominance.