No fans injured as away stand collapses after NEC Nijmegen v Vitesse

A section of a stand at Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen’s stadium, the Goffertstadion, collapsed as Vitesse fans celebrated their side’s 1-0 win, but there were no injuries.

Nikolai Baden Frederiksen’s 16th-minute goal separated the two rivals at the final whistle and the Vitesse players went over to celebrate with their travelling supporters, who were jumping in unison when the stand gave way beneath them.

However, no fans appeared to be hurt in the incident and, after a brief pause, the festivities resumed as the away fans enjoyed their side’s positive result.

Nijmegen Mayor Hubert Bruls demanded an inquiry into why the stand collapsed, but said he was relieved that there were no casualties.

“I am very shocked by what happened,” Bruls told De Telegraaf. “Fortunately, as far as is known, no one was injured. I want an investigation into what happened here as soon as possible.”

A Vitesse fan present at the game explained that, despite the shock of the event, the mood among the supporters remained positive and reassured that no injuries were sustained.

“Everyone is now back on the bus, fortunately without injuries,” Vitesse fan Danny said to Omroep Gelderland. “But it was a shock. The atmosphere is no less. Everyone is safe on the way back home. We won and that’s the most important thing.”

Just over two years ago, there was a similar incident as the roof of AZ’s home ground – the AFAS Stadion – collapsed during a heavy storm, but nobody was present at the stadium at the time.

What a win!

Samen voor geel-zwart!#Vitesse #VoorGeelZwart #necVIT pic.twitter.com/3vkPM5KIc8

— Vitesse (@MijnVitesse) October 17, 2021