Derksen and Van der Gijp React to Rain‑Soaked Heerenveen‑Ajax Finish

René van der Gijp and Johan Derksen watched the closing stages of the Eredivisie clash between sc Heerenveen and Ajax with disbelief. A sudden downpour in the final minutes made the ball virtually immobile on the wet pitch.

The two commentators described the scene as almost surreal, saying “this cannot be” as the rain intensified. Their reaction highlighted the rarity of such conditions in Dutch top‑flight football.

The heavy rain arrived just before the end of the match, covering the entire field in water. Players found it difficult to control the ball as it slid or stopped abruptly.

According to the observations, the ball failed to roll normally across the sodden surface, disrupting the flow of play. Both teams had to adapt their tactics to the slippery conditions.

Despite the weather, the referee allowed the game to continue, though the pace slowed dramatically. Spectators in the stadium were treated to a visibly damp spectacle rather than a typical finish.

The incident sparked discussion among fans and pundits about whether match officials should intervene in extreme weather. It also raised questions about pitch drainage standards at the Abe Lenstra Stadium.

Looking ahead, clubs will monitor forecast reports closely to avoid similar interruptions. The league may consider reviewing protocols for matches affected by sudden heavy rain.