Dutch Match Postponed Due to Flaming Toilet Paper

By: Laurie | April 14th, 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiLxBDIT4WE

Anybody speak Dutch? Was this match really postponed due to flaming toilet paper? That’s certainly what it looks like in the video.

Damn, I love European football.

From a UK paper:

The Dutch league match between Groningen and Ajax Amsterdam was postponed on Sunday after fans set fire to paper in the stands.

One person was slightly injured by burns, three others were taken to hospital for checks and a total of 19 people were treated for smoke inhalation, a spokesman for Groningen police said.

The match, which had been due to kick off at 1230 GMT, was called off after fans spilled on to the pitch to escape the smoke.

Fortunately there were no serious injuries. If this had happened when the stands were packed during a game, it could have been tragic.

As it is, though? Just try to watch this video without snickering.

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Category: Dutch Eredivisie, World Football

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Kimberley

Someone has reminded me to clarify that while the flaming toilet paper was the start of the problem, the finishing touch was when the actual seats caught fire.
Laurie

Luckily for Toronto, the seat covers were not flammable.

(P.S. I knew exactly what you were going to say when I saw "Toronto FC." I'd been thinking the same thing.
Johnny

I'm unsure of the tangent, however this reminds me of when Toronto FC finally scored their first MLS game goal and the souvenir "Seat Cushion Night" pads went a flying through the stratosphere.

With this toiletry theme extended, I would hate to witness FC Groningen under similarly historical circumstances.
Kimberley

The match was indeed postponed due to flaming bog roll. Thanks for this post, it makes a cartoon I saw yesterday much clearer. *g*

Apparently, there was little or no pressure in the fire hoses, so buckets and garden hoses had to be used until the fire brigade arrived.

The toilet paper had been brought in by a subgroup of the supporters' club, who - along with the football club - had been informed this was going to happen. It was a protest against FC Groningen's transfer policy: three players have been sold to Ajax. Which idiots were responsible for the fires is unknown. It looks like there will be three separate investigations into the matter though.
Jay

This sucks for PSV. Only delayed their championship celebration.
Jon

Ironically (or sadly?), the toilet paper was provided to the Groningen fans by the club itself. I wouldn't be surprised if the club faces some type of penalty (a fine perhaps).
Matt

Yeah, I don't even think this can be filed under proper hooliganism.