Rotterdam – Reports of planned protests outside Feyenoord’s De Kuip stadium ahead of the highly anticipated ‘De Klassieker’ against Ajax proved inaccurate, as journalist Valentijn Driessen relayed misleading information on Monday’s edition of Vandaag Inside. The confusion stemmed from a video shoot by supporters group Rotterdam Radicals featuring MMA fighter Brian Hooi, which was mistakenly interpreted as a demonstration against the club’s leadership.
Driessen, the chief football reporter for De Telegraaf, raised concerns during the broadcast about the possibility of the match being disrupted, drawing parallels to a previous incident involving Ajax and FC Groningen. “I’m getting reports right before the show. There are people outside De Kuip with balaclavas. They are shouting for the board and the coach to leave – everyone must go. But there are similarly rumors that the match might face the same scenario as the Ajax game,” Driessen stated, referencing a match halted due to fan-thrown fireworks.
The Ajax-FC Groningen fixture, earlier this season, was abandoned after just five minutes due to widespread pyrotechnics, ultimately being completed behind closed doors at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Driessen’s comments fueled speculation that ‘De Klassieker’ could suffer a similar fate, adding to the already intense atmosphere surrounding the rivalry match.
However, a subsequent Instagram post from Rotterdam Radicals clarified the situation. The post revealed that the individuals seen outside De Kuip were not engaged in a protest, but were instead filming a music video featuring Brian Hooi, a mixed martial artist and Feyenoord supporter. The video included the leverage of balaclavas and fireworks, but the group emphasized that it was purely for artistic purposes and posed no threat to the club or the match.
The incident highlights the challenges of rapidly verifying information in the age of social media and the potential for misinterpretation. It’s a reminder that even seasoned journalists can be misled by initial reports, and the importance of corroborating information before disseminating it to the public. For fans, it served as a brief moment of anxiety before the focus returned to the on-field competition.
The clarification from Rotterdam Radicals effectively debunked Driessen’s suggestion of a brewing crisis at De Kuip. The group’s post directly addressed the journalist’s claims, showcasing the video footage and explaining its context. This swift response helped to quell any concerns among supporters and prevent the spread of misinformation.
This isn’t the first time that social media has played a role in quickly correcting inaccurate reporting in football. Supporters groups are increasingly using platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to provide their own accounts of events and challenge narratives presented in the mainstream media. This increased level of scrutiny can hold journalists accountable and encourage more thorough fact-checking.
The incident also raises questions about the sources Driessen relies on for information. Whereas he didn’t disclose the specific source of his initial report, the fact that it proved to be inaccurate suggests a demand to re-evaluate his network and prioritize more reliable contacts. Maintaining strong relationships with trusted sources is crucial for any sports journalist, particularly when covering high-profile events like ‘De Klassieker.’
‘De Klassieker’ remains one of the most fiercely contested matches in Dutch football, with a long history of passionate support and occasional incidents of crowd trouble. The rivalry between Feyenoord and Ajax extends beyond the pitch, encompassing cultural and social divides. The match is always a high-stakes affair, with implications for the Eredivisie title race and European qualification.
Feyenoord recently appointed Dick Advocaat as an advisor to Robin van Persie, a move that has generated considerable discussion among fans, and pundits. Advocaat, a former Feyenoord manager, brings a wealth of experience to the role and is expected to provide guidance to Van Persie as he navigates his coaching career. This appointment underscores Feyenoord’s ambition to maintain its position as a leading force in Dutch football.
As of Friday, March 20, 2026, the focus has shifted back to preparations for ‘De Klassieker.’ Both teams will be looking to put the off-field distractions behind them and deliver a strong performance on the pitch. The match is scheduled to take place at De Kuip, with a kickoff time yet to be officially announced. Fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling encounter between two of the Netherlands’ biggest clubs.
The next official update regarding the match will likely come from Feyenoord and Ajax, confirming the kickoff time and any security arrangements in place. Supporters are advised to follow the clubs’ official channels for the latest information. The outcome of ‘De Klassieker’ could have significant implications for the Eredivisie title race, making it a must-watch event for football fans across the Netherlands and beyond.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Do you think journalists should be more cautious about reporting unverified information? Share your opinions in the comments below.
