Football
Associated Press 7y

Top Eredivisie club captains request ban of artificial turf

AMSTERDAM -- Captains of 12 Netherlands top-tier teams have asked the national federation and league organisers to ban matches on artificial turf.

Dirk Kuyt of title-winning Feyenoord and Davy Klaassen of Ajax joined a protest by their national union known as the VVCS.

Kuyt, who announced his retirement this week, said: "I know for sure that due to artificial pitches Dutch football will fall further behind."

The captains point to "technical and tactical consequences" of authorities letting six of the 18-team Eredivisie play on artificial surfaces this season.

Players believe they sustain more joint injuries and need more recovery time in switching from games on grass.

Klaassen, who will lead Ajax against Manchester United in the Europa League final next Wednesday, said: "You cannot enjoy playing football on these pitches."

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