Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Sunday, April 19, 2026 10:03 p.m. / Updated Sunday, April 19, 2026 10:07 p.m.
Rare images, in the final of the Dutch Cup. Referee Danny Makkelie was involved in a completely atypical episode after he was called to the sidelines and received a phone call during the match between AZ Alkmaar and NEC Nijmegen, which AZ clearly won 5-1.
The incident occurred shortly after the 3-0 goal scored by AZ, at which point the final seemed already decided. With about 15 minutes to go, the atmosphere in the stands started to get tense and security officials intervened.
Security alert sent during the game
A person in charge handed the center referee the phone, through which he was sent a warning about possible risks in the stands, including suspicions regarding the use of pyrotechnic materials.
The referee spoke on the phone during the final // PHOTO CAPTURE: X
The moment created confusion including on the technical bench. AZ's coach, Leeroy Echteld, looked puzzled and demanded an explanation immediately: “Where's the firework? It's nothing, is it?”he asked, according to sportniews.nl.
Danny Makkelie's response was calm, in the context of the situation: “People are doing their jobs.”
The referee, who in the past also worked as a police officer, managed the situation without losing control of the match, notes the cited source.
Discussions between the officials and the resumption of the game
The fourth official, Allard Lindhout, intervened in his turn to clarify the duration of the interruption:
“Can we continue the game? Can we resume, yes or no?”
After a few minutes of checks, Makkelie decided to resume the game, given that there were no clear indications of incidents in the stands.
End without major incident
Although the timing was unusual, the game resumed without further problems. NEC managed to reduce the deficit through Koki Ogawa, but AZ Alkmaar controlled the final and won the Dutch Cup 5-1 for their fifth ever trophy.
