Norwich City defender Jakov Medic saw his first FC Utrecht appearance abandoned on Saturday after home supporters threw fireworks and plastic cups onto the pitch.
The Eredivisie clash against Go Ahead Eagles was halted permanently after 65 minutes. Medic entered the match from the bench with his new club trailing by three goals.
Play had already been paused once due to flares thrown from the home section.
Loan Progress Complicated By Empty Stadiums
Dani de Wit scored to reduce the deficit to 3-1. A scuffle over the ball then prompted fans to hurl plastic cups. Referee Martin van den Kerkhof halted proceedings definitively.
The disruption presents an unexpected hurdle for the centre-back. The defender secured a season-long move to find regular minutes following a quiet year.
Stepping into a volatile environment complicates that objective. The final 25 minutes of his opening match will now be completed behind closed doors.
Utrecht Condemn Unacceptable Crowd Behaviour
Medic recently outlined his desire to thrive in loud Dutch stadiums. Empty stands temporarily strip away the atmosphere he intended to utilise during his development away from Carrow Road.
FC Utrecht general manager Edo Keuning condemned the incidents.
“We are disappointed,” Keuning said. “What should have been a wonderful evening of football has ended in such a terrible way.”
The Eredivisie side must conclude the fixture without spectators on Tuesday afternoon.
