Fortuna Sittard manager Steijn reacts to referee injury during friendly
Fortuna Sittard manager Maurice Steijn has spoken after referee Jeroen Manschot was injured during a pre-season friendly against an amateur side on Saturday. The official left the pitch with a head injury following an altercation between players, confirming the incident that marred the 3-1 loss for the Eredivisie side. The match, played on 26 July 2026, now takes a backseat to concerns over Manschot’s condition.
What exactly happened during the friendly?
The flashpoint came in the first half when players from both teams became embroiled in a heated exchange. After a tough tackle or alleged foul, tensions flared, and Manschot intervened. Witnesses reported the referee took an elbow to the head-possibly accidental-as he stepped in. He collapsed and was immediately assisted off the pitch. Play resumed briefly after medical checks, but the incident cast a shadow over the result.
Fortuna Sittard fielded a mix of first-team regulars and academy players, as is standard in these pre-season clashes. The club confirmed Manschot was taken to hospital by ambulance, though his current condition remains undisclosed.
Why does this matter for Fortuna Sittard?
A referee injury during a friendly is rare, yet it raises questions about conduct in Dutch football. Manager Maurice Steijn stressed after the game that the club always aims for sportsmanship, even in exhibition matches. "We’re focused on preparation, but respect for the referee is part of that," Steijn said.
For Fortuna Sittard, which ended last season 12th in the Eredivisie with 36 points from 30 games (10W-6D-14L) and a -11 goal difference (44 scored, 55 conceded), every pre-season minute counts. The side sits 38 points behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven and faces PEC Zwolle away on 31 January 2027.
What happens next?
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has launched an investigation and will decide on possible sanctions. Fortuna Sittard has pledged full cooperation. For the club, the priority now is to maintain focus ahead of the new campaign.
The loss to the amateurs showed work remains, even in friendlies. Steijn must refine his squad before the league kicks off on 15 August 2026. The club hopes lingering injury concerns clear quickly so the team can start the season fresh.
