Fans left utterly baffled as referee stops cup final to answer phone call

Fans could hardly believe their eyes when a referee stopped the KNVB Cup final to answer a mobile phone on Sunday (April 19), but there’s an explanation.

AZ Alkmaar ran out comfortable winners against NEC at De Kuip in Rotterdam, with Mees de Wit, Sven Mijnans, Peer Koopmeiners, Kees Smit and Republic of Ireland hero Troy Parrott helping the side to a 5–1 victory over their Eredivisie rivals.

Koki Ogawa’s solitary strike for NEC proved to be nothing more than a consolation in the end, as AZ secured their fifth KNVB Cup triumph.

And despite an emphatic performance from ‘De Kaasboeren’, fans could not help but notice a truly bizarre turn of events during the match.

Referee Danny Makkelie walked towards the touchline, where he was handed a mobile phone. He answered it before returning to the field.

Fans reacted on social media, with one joking: “He had to go home, the food was ready...”

Another added: “Let’s be grateful he didn’t make a dubious decision afterwards; otherwise, it would have looked immediately suspicious.”

A third asked: “Who is the referee talking to on the phone during the game?”

A fourth commented: “More than striking — has anyone ever seen this before?”

Since Sunday, reports have suggested that the reason the referee took the call was related to security concerns, with some fans letting off fireworks in the stands.

AZ, who have secured qualification for next season’s Europa League, return to action away at Go Ahead Eagles on April 23, while NEC travel to Twente on April 25.

Troy Parrott linked with Spurs return

Parrott has registered 30 goals and 11 assists for the Dutch side this season, which has resulted in the Irishman being linked with a return to Spurs, the club he previously played for before making the move to AZ in 2024.

Despite clearly enjoying life in the Netherlands, a report from GiveMeSport suggests the 24-year-old is open to returning to Spurs, with the side currently battling against Premier League relegation.

AZ value the striker at £21.7 million, although Spurs have a 20 per cent sell-on clause, meaning they would effectively sign the player at a discounted price.

Several other European clubs such as Napoli, Real Betis, Bayer Leverkusen and Ajax are also keeping tabs on the Republic of Ireland international.