Referee report following unwanted situation and behavior during Liège – Diez
d.d. 20 Jan 2024
After the end of the first period, there was a commotion between players from Liège and Diez, when the Diez players wanted to leave the team benches to go to their dressing room.
The entrance to this dressing room is located right behind the Liège team bench. If the Liège players leave their team bench immediately after the whistle and go to the dressing room, this confrontation will not take place.
The moment I clearly urged the Liège players to go to their dressing room, an unnecessary discussion arose about who had or had not started the verbal confrontation.
These are situations that can be avoided by carefully following the above, as well as clearly informing the supervisors to refer their players to their dressing room immediately after the whistle.
During this situation, there was also a commotion in the stands, just above the players' benches. Liège supporters then threw beer and spat at Diez's players and coaches.
As a measure, we have had the three first rows cleared before the start of the 2nd period.
I had to have this called again during the 3rd period, as 3 people had still taken a seat in the front row.
Afterwards it was reported that during this commotion a female Diez supporter was physically attacked by a Liège supporter, with physical consequences.
It is important as a referee that we can guarantee safety during the entire match.