Elation turned to embarrassment in the Dutch town of Kerkrade after fans of Eredivisie 2 club Roda performed a premature pitch invasion.
After sealing a 2-0 win over Cambuur on Friday, supporters believed they’d sealed second place in the table – and automatic promotion to Holland’s top tier, the Eredivisie – with third-place Groningen losing to Telstar. Hundreds of jubilant Roda fans hopped the barricade at full time to celebrate with the team, only for a late Groningen equaliser to put a spanner in the works.
But before the party died down completely, news filtered through that Telstar had nabbed a last-gasp winner, prompting a second wave of celebrations in the stadium, but a minute or so later they learned the goal had been chalked off by the officials.
READ MORE: Wrexham celebrate in Las Vegas with team-mates released during promotion party
READ MORE: Tom Brady’s Birmingham City relegated to third tier for first time in 29 years
Roda players were seen scrambling to find mobile phones to confirm the score as the late drama unfolded, with red-faced fans seen with their hands on their heads as the reality of the situation set in.
Fans on social media were just as gobsmacked, with one writing: “This is the craziest post-match pitch invasion I’ve ever seen.” Another said: “Absolutely gutting and hilarious in equal measure. Bravo Dutch football.”
Have you ever seen a premature pitch invasion? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
The result means Groningen are three points behind Roda with one match to play. And as if that wasn’t nail-biting enough, the two teams are facing each other on the final day!
Given Groningen have a better goal difference than Roda, it means whoever wins will seal automatic promotion to the Eredivisie, with their opponents having to settle for a play-off spot.
Remarkably, a win for Roda could see them end the campaign as champions, with already-promoted Willem II just a point above them in first.
Tempted to tune in to the Dutch second division next weekend? So are we!