Groningen fans banned from last two games of the Eredivisie season

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Groningen fans banned from last two games of the Eredivisie season

 FC Groningen's stadium
FC Groningen's stadiumProfimedia
Relegated Groningen will play their last two games of the season without any of their fans in attendance due to recurring issues with their supporters, the Dutch Eredivisie club said on Wednesday.

Groningen's home game against NEC Nijmegen in April was suspended when a cup of beer was thrown at the assistant referee and last week's match against Ajax was abandoned nine minutes in after fireworks were thrown onto the pitch.

Both games were completed behind closed doors.

"After a discussion with Groningen mayor Koen Schuiling both parties have come to the conclusion that given the circumstances FC Groningen will also play the last two league matches of this season without a crowd," Groningen said in a statement.

No supporters will be allowed at Groningen's home match against Sparta Rotterdam on May 28 and the club have been also banned from bringing away fans to their game at Vitesse on Sunday.

The unrest among fans has stemmed from the fact that the club have been relegated to the second division of Dutch football for the first time in 23 years.

In the eyes of many, the board are to blame for what has been a disaster of a season for a club that was battling to play European football a few years ago.