KRC Genk First Professional Club to have Supporters Fraternise Before Match

KRC Genk First Professional Club to have Supporters Fraternise Before Match

The KRC Genk FRZA! Foundation kicked off a new initiative last Sunday before the match between KRC Genk and KVC Westerlo, literally. During the traditional line-up, for the first time in Belgian professional football, two supporters from both teams also walked onto the pitch. The message is clear: “We want to send a clear signal that racism and polarisation have no place in our stadium,” the vice-champion echoed. KRC Genk wants to make this initiative a habit during every home match.

Every home match, KRC Genk’s supporters’ association (OSV) will delegate a supporter to fraternise with an opposing fan before the match and walk onto the pitch with their team.

“Youth players walking onto the pitch with the players prior to the match has long been established in international football. At Genk, two supporters with their own club’s scarf will now also walk onto the pitch. Afterwards, they shake hands with each other and the players of the opposing team. Before the match, we want to fraternise with our opponents, to send out a signal that respect and fair play are an important part of the game we all love.”

Niel Janssen, KRC Genk FRZA! Foundation

“Values and norms such as mutual respect and sporting integrity are instilled into our youth players here. But fair play in the stands is at least as important for our club. Everyone is welcome at KRC Genk, but there is no place for polarisation in the Cegeka Arena. With this initiative, we want to set an example to our fans and those of the visiting side and encourage them to propagate the values that define our club off the pitch as well.”

Erik Gerits, general manager

Opponent KVC Westerlo were happy to send a supporter onto the pitch with them for the match.

“We were immediately excited when KRC Genk came up with this proposal. The twelfth man largely determines the atmosphere of the match. Two groups of supporters side by side, each loudly cheering on their own team. Although they cheer for a different club, they have the same goal: to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of football full of passion and fun. Things can get heated during the 90 minutes, with chants filling the stands and colours fiercely opposing each other. But always with due respect. And when the final signal sounds, the sporting rivalry ends.”

Representative of KVC Westerlo

KRC Genk wants to make this initiative a habit. The intention is to have a supporter from both teams take to the pitch during the line-up every KRC Genk home game. Limburg hopes that other clubs will also embrace this initiative to send a clear signal about tolerance and positive supportiveness.

The initiative is already receiving applause from the Pro League.

“Only last Wednesday we launched our social policy plan, where we indicated that our plan is one for society and for supporters. That is why we very much welcome this initiative by KRC Genk: a match lasts 90 minutes of rivalry, a tale of 2 opponents and 3 points. Beyond that, however, we have so much in common: we are all lovers of our sport. We enjoy the same things: swirling matches, a positive atmosphere and unconditional club love. With this gesture, KRC Genk nicely underlines what unites us all: club love, whatever the colours.”

Representative of the Pro League