Dutch second-tier match abandoned after player loses three teeth in tunnel assault

A Dutch second-tier football match was abandoned on Saturday after Ijsselmeervogels defender Quiermo Dumay was struck in the face during the half-time break, losing three teeth in an incident inside the players’ tunnel at the Tweede Divisie clash against GVVV.

Dumay, who completed a transfer from GVVV to Ijsselmeervogels in the summer, was reportedly hit as he made his way into the tunnel after the first-half whistle. Players were seen emerging from the tunnel shortly afterwards calling for medical assistance, and reports in the Netherlands indicate the squad subsequently refused to return to the pitch for the second half.

Police and stadium security moved to restrict access to the tunnel, and officers were also required to keep rival supporters separated as tensions threatened to spill beyond the stadium before the match was formally abandoned.

GVVV chairman Hans Schinkel told RTV Utrecht that he did not believe an Ijsselmeervogels player had delivered the blow, while stressing that the incident could not be justified under any circumstances. “I have seen the photo, and your first thought is: what has happened?” Schinkel said. “A report has even been filed with the police. But I do not know what happened, so I cannot pass judgement on it. Whatever happened, it can never be justified. It could well have consequences for GVVV, but I am happy to leave that to the KNVB.”

GVVV’s board issued a statement distancing the club from the events, saying it “deeply regrets the course of events” and “strongly condemns” what took place, adding that appropriate measures would be taken once further details emerged.

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed its Disciplinary Committee would begin handling the case on Monday, starting by requesting statements from all parties involved. “Subsequently, the Disciplinary Committee will conduct an investigation and issue a ruling,” the KNVB said. “As soon as a ruling is issued, it will be determined how and when the remainder of the match will be played.”