FC Groningen match descends into chaos again: 'No longer against teams from that country'
FC Groningen manager Dick Lukkien has hit out at the aggressive play of Greek side Volos following a chaotic friendly match.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Author: Rickazio
The 'friendly' meeting between FC Groningen and Greek side Volos has left manager Dick Lukkien with an extremely bitter taste. The Eredivisie coach was left thoroughly unimpressed by the opponent's aggressive style of play, which marred the encounter at the BV Veendam stadium.
During the match, which ended in a goalless draw, Groningen left-back Tyrique Mercera was struck, and Volos player Hamza Mendyl committed a harsh challenge on Jorg Schreuders. These incidents overshadowed the football itself, with Tom van Bergen missing several key chances to score.
This is the second time in a week that Groningen has encountered trouble against Greek opposition. In a previous match against AEK Athens, Pelle Clement suffered a heavy blow, while Felipe Relvas delivered a dangerous tackle on Travis Hernes.
When asked if Groningen should continue to face Greek teams in pre-season, Lukkien was direct: "We should not want this again next year. Apparently, if you come from Greece as a football team, you do very strange things, make very strange fouls. We will think about whether we should still want this."
The manager added that the bench was left questioning the nature of the opponents' conduct throughout the game, suggesting that it might be time for the club to reconsider scheduling such fixtures in the future.