The Limburg derby between football teams Sint-Truiden and Racing Genk was delayed by half an hour later on Sunday due to the planned farmers’ protest.
The Jupiler Pro League announced the delay on social media, with the new kick-off time moved to 14:00.
Around one hundred farmers protested near the Stayen football stadium ahead of the Limburg derby against Racing Genk on Sunday. The protest focused on the football stadium, with farmers railing against the increasing regulatory pressure from Europe.
"We have had enough," says Lotte Arkens from the Groene Kring Limburg. "We have an issue with the European policy, just as in our neighbouring countries. Regulation upon regulation is becoming untenable, leaving us unsure of which rules are still applicable."
Continues below photos
Credit: Belga / Johan Eyckens
Credit: Belga / Johan Eyckens
Credit: Belga / Johan Eyckens
The farmers arrived at around 12:00. at the roundabout in Sint-Truiden, where about twenty tractors parked in front of the football stadium and the rest were diverted to a side road, which caused numerous traffic disruptions in the vicinity.
As a result, the supporters’ buses for KRC Genk were stuck in traffic, which was concentrated around the entrance road to the ground. The stadium is also reportedly sold out for the first time since 2015, which is believed to have contributed to the pre-match chaos.
This demonstration marks the start of various protests across Flanders. Also, in Wallonia, a big week of protests is planned for next week, where several motorways will be blocked.
In the afternoon, a delegation from the Boerenbond and the Groene Kring Limburg met with Hilde Vautmans, Member of the European Parliament. "Our intention is to discuss our agricultural issues with Hilde later," explains Frank Steukers from the Boerenbond.
Credit: Belga / Johan Eyckens
Credit: Belga / Johan Eyckens
