In Velsen-Zuid, FC Groningen takes a point against a brave Telstar in the absolute extremis to keep the immediate promotion dream alive. A full away section erupts in cheers, just like the long side of the West Stand. The strict restrictions on ticket sales have again not helped, the KNVB continues to do what it does best: fail hard.
We have had to wait a long time for it, but it is finally exciting again at the top of the First Division. Blood-curdlingly exciting indeed, because Willem II, Roda JC, FC Groningen and theoretically FC Dordrecht are competing for a place in the top two to achieve direct promotion. For the supporters of FC Groningen, the season is a true roller coaster that is being accelerated even further. From the sad losses and the debacle with Kevin van Veen, to convincing victories with frivolous play and boys from our own youth with a heart for the club. But a hellish job awaits in Velsen-Zuid, where at least one point must be achieved if Roda JC wants to keep up. Telstar is having a creditable second half of the season and has only lost to FC Emmen at home.
Restrictions
Nowadays, competitions that involve something in the Netherlands are no longer possible without the most absurd restrictions, thanks to the KNVB. Telstar only uses physical sales in Groningen and collection is only possible on a weekday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. The whole of the Netherlands works at those times, but that apparently doesn’t matter. You must show proof of identity at the physical sale. If it states that you were born or live in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland or Drenthe, you will not receive a card. According to the KNVB, people who come from those regions and have moved to North Holland and cheer for Telstar do not exist. It is yet another example that fan discrimination has become normal. And no one can do anything about it.
Despite the strict restrictions, Sportpark Schoonenberg is ‘full’ according to the stadium speaker. This means that the two long sides are filled, just like the outer box. The other short side is completely empty, but it doesn’t count. No one has been there all season, except some children shouting at Jong Ajax. For Groningen the match starts as a nightmare. In the first minute, top scorer Zakaria Eddahchouri shoots the ball into the net, after all, the man who almost made the switch to the far north during the winter break. The realm Telstar’s fanatical work is immediately successful and this will continue throughout the match. Telstar is even significantly better in large parts and is close to scoring 2-0.
Resilience
In the final phase, Groningen comes closer to Telstar’s goal and ultimately manages to level the score in the absolute extremis, 90+5, via a header from Thom van Bergen. The entire long side of the West Stand jumps up and shows that half the stadium is full of FC Groningen supporters. All restrictions on ticket sales have not helped and the KNVB is once again doing what it does best, failing hard.
The late equalizer means for FC Groningen that direct promotion is still possible and that is why the away section explodes in cheers. People fall over each other and jump into each other’s arms. Next week at home in their own Euroborg it can be finished against Roda JC. Then they have to win, otherwise the people of Groningen will enter the play-offs in a depressive state. The whole of the Netherlands is looking forward to next Friday, will it be Roda JC or FC Groningen that will join Willem II in the Eredivisie?