Belgium Football in Chaos: Beerschot Fans Get Game Abandoned, Genk Trials Palm Print Entry

Belgian football is facing serious turmoil after a recent match between Beerschot and Antwerp was abandoned due to violent fan behaviour.

Though shocking, the incident had been forewarned, leaving many questioning why nothing could be done to prevent the chaos. At the same time, innovative but controversial measures, such as Genk’s trial of a palm print entry system, highlight attempts to bring order and security back into the sport.

The chaos unfolded during the Antwerp derby when Beerschot fans executed a premeditated plan to disrupt the game. The warning signs had been evident for days, with a leaked audio file from Beerschot’s hardcore supporters making its way through football circles. In the recording, the fans made their intentions clear: if their team was losing significantly, they would ensure the match would not be completed.

“If we say we’re going to blow it up, then that’s what happens,” said one Beerschot supporter in the recording. “I’ve been a Beerschot supporter for over 30 years, I grew up here, and I’ve been in jail for this club. That 1 in 24 is a tragedy for us.”

Further warnings were given about the upcoming weekend’s match: “I’ll give it to you on a piece of paper, there will be no final whistle next week. Unless we are 0-2 ahead, but that won’t happen.”

These chilling statements set the stage for what was to come. Early in the week, the audio file was widely shared, and the Pro League, both clubs, and the police were aware of the potential for violence. In response, they implemented tighter security measures, including enhanced identity checks, more thorough fan searches, and the installation of nets designed to catch projectiles at the stadium.

However, these measures proved insufficient. Despite a final plea from Beerschot’s honorary chairman, Luk Lemmens, urging fans to refrain from violence, the situation escalated. Just five minutes after halftime, with Antwerp leading 4-0, the away section erupted. Beerschot hooligans, clad in black masks and white shirts, launched three volleys of fireworks through the nets, forcing referee Lothar D’Hondt to stop the match.

The question remains: how could such a blatant plan be carried out despite the advanced warnings? Lorin Parys, CEO of the Pro League, expressed frustration with the limitations in the current enforcement framework. “We simply cannot reduce the risk to zero,” Parys lamented.

He pointed to gaps in Belgian football’s security protocols, such as clubs not having full frisking authority. “Football clubs are only allowed to perform superficial ‘pat-downs.’ You cannot find pyrotechnic material that way, especially when it’s as small as a lip balm. We need the right tools to handle these situations,” he explained.

Another issue Parys raised was the use of masks by hooligans, which further complicates security efforts. “Supporters aren’t allowed to sit in the stadium with masks, but only the police have the authority to remove them. We need to establish clear agreements with law enforcement about who does what and when.”

In an effort to address these issues, Parys has called for new laws, including the introduction of biometric identification at stadiums. However, this is currently prohibited under Belgian law, and the Pro League is urging lawmakers to revise these regulations.

Another complication is the international nature of football hooliganism. During the Antwerp derby, Parys revealed that a group of Dutch fans travelled to Belgium specifically to incite violence, a reminder of the cross-border nature of some fan troubles. He believes an international stadium ban could be part of the solution, ensuring that violent fans from abroad cannot continue their disruptive behaviour.

The debate over how to handle violent fans raises another question: why weren’t Beerschot supporters banned from attending the match altogether? Parys explained that banning an entire fanbase is a drastic measure that punishes many innocent supporters for the actions of a few. “It’s a difficult decision to make. Nothing had happened yet, and the issue concerns a small group of people—who I refuse to call fans—who don’t know how to behave,” he said.

As the fallout from the Beerschot incident continues, Belgian football is also looking to the future with innovative security measures. KAA Gent has begun testing a biometric palm print system aimed at making stadium entry faster and safer. The pilot project, launched at their recent match against Standard Liège, aims to give fans a smoother experience while ensuring that those with stadium bans are kept out.

“The goal of the Palmki palm authentication system is to give spectators smoother and safer access to the stadium,” a KAA Gent spokesperson said. The technology uses infrared scans of a fan’s palm, a more secure and unique biometric identifier than fingerprints or facial recognition, which can be easily replicated.

“We need to know exactly who is in the stadium. People with a stadium ban will not be allowed access,” the spokesperson added, explaining that the current system of checking tickets and comparing them with identity cards is too slow and places a burden on both fans and stewards.

The trial is expected to run until spring 2025, during which time fans can voluntarily participate. Not everyone is convinced by the new technology, however. While some fans have praised the ease of use, others have voiced concerns about privacy, citing worries over how the data will be handled and whether it could be misused.

“This is a test period,” reassured Dirk Piens, Gent’s director of safety. “On the one hand, we want to check the reliability of the system, but we also want to see how our supporters feel about it.”

Fan reactions remain divided, with some embracing the idea of faster and more efficient stadium entry, while others view it as an invasion of privacy. The future of palm print entry systems in Belgian football will depend heavily on the feedback gathered during this trial.

Site Opinion

The abandoned match between Beerschot and Antwerp shows just how dire the situation has become in Belgian football. When fans can publicly announce their plans to disrupt a game, and nothing substantial is done to stop them, it raises serious concerns about the authorities’ ability to maintain order. It’s clear that the current measures are not enough, and both clubs and the police need to step up their game. Stricter rules around fan behavior and security, along with a more hands-on approach from law enforcement, could help prevent future incidents.

As for Genk’s palm print system, it’s a step in the right direction but might be a bit too invasive for some. Technology can definitely improve the fan experience and make stadiums safer, but it needs to be implemented thoughtfully. Fans shouldn’t feel like they’re being treated as suspects just to watch a game. Finding a balance between security and fan comfort is the key to success here.