GVVV suspends Van Beukering brothers after half-time tunnel assault halts derby

Tunnel altercation at De Westmaat

The Dutch Tweede Divisie regional derby between IJsselmeervogels and GVVV was abandoned at half-time on Saturday, 12 September 2026, after a physical assault occurred in the player tunnel at Sportpark De Westmaat. Visiting side GVVV had established a 2-0 lead in the first half through a penalty converted by Quincy Veenhof and a second goal from Justin Spies scored just before the interval. Tensions rose around the penalty decision and intensified as the teams exited the pitch. In the tunnel, IJsselmeervogels player Quiermo Dumay, who completed a transfer from GVVV during the summer break, was struck in the face. IJsselmeervogels coach Willem Leushuis identified GVVV assistant coach and former professional footballer Jhon van Beukering as the assailant based on direct discussions with Dumay.

He says that Jhon van Beukering gave the blow. He lashed out like a street fighter. It is logical that my players did not want to continue. It was terrifying.

Medical treatment and stadium unrest

The blow left Dumay with three pushed-back teeth, broken dental structures, and a blood-stained shirt. Police reports noted that Dumay may have lost multiple teeth as a result of the impact. Following the assault, Dumay departed the stadium in a police vehicle to formally file a criminal complaint before being transported to the Meander Medisch Centrum, where an oral surgeon provided treatment. Inside the venue, IJsselmeervogels players refused to take the pitch for the second half, prompting the match referee to abandon the fixture permanently. Club secretary Gerrit Kok described the incident in a video message published on the club YouTube channel.

What I understood is that an assistant coach of GVVV knocked down a player of ours. He then lay on the ground for a while, bleeding. That is what I was told. After that, it escalated enormously.

Outside the stadium facilities, police officers intervened to separate rival supporter groups on the grounds of Sportpark De Westmaat. To prevent further clashes as home supporters shouted at the visitors, police escorted both the GVVV team bus and the visiting supporters bus away from Bunschoten-Spakenburg.

GVVV dismisses coaching duo

Following the match abandonment, the GVVV board initiated an internal review into the actions of its staff. GVVV chairman Hans Schinkel acknowledged rising tensions on the pitch before the half-time whistle while condemning the physical violence.

I was not there myself and therefore cannot point out a culprit. But I reject all forms of violence and certainly do not want to justify anything.

Just after midnight, GVVV released a statement announcing the immediate suspension of both head coach Dennis van Beukering and assistant coach Jhon van Beukering. The club stated that an insufficient basis remained to continue working with the coaching pair and noted that contractual settlements would be handled directly. GVVV affirmed that it will cooperate fully with ongoing inquiries conducted by the police and the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).