KNVB provides clarity on the Johan Cruyff Shield after statements by Johan Derksen

Last weekend, Johan Derksen brought news on Vandaag Inside Oranje that the family of the late referee Rob Dieperink would not want a minute of silence for PSV - AZ in the battle for the Johan Cruijff Shield if Danny Makkelie were the referee. According to Derksen, there would be, namely, a not-so-good relationship between Makkelie and the family of Dieperink.

The KNVB has already refuted these rumors. A spokesperson for the football association said this in conversation with De Telegraaf.

''On Monday evening, a meeting was held for the deceased referee Rob Dieperink, during which all KNVB colleagues who wanted to were able to offer condolences to Rob's family. Among that group was also Danny Makkelie. On Tuesday afternoon, the funeral – at the explicit request of the family – took place in a private and very small circle'', says this spokesperson.

The battle for the Johan Cruyff Shield between PSV and AZ on Sunday, 2 August will also be covered. ''The KNVB has not yet spoken with Rob's family about whether or not to hold a minute's silence before that match. No contact has yet been made with the bereaved. Makkelie is also absolutely not a referee for this match. The reports being circulated about this are not correct'', that is what is being said.

This contradicts the statements of Johan Derksen, who previously said that Makkelie would not be welcome at Dieperink's funeral. Derksen said, among other things, ''There will be a commotion like no other. The family of Dieperink considers Makkelie unwelcome at the burial in any case. Something or other has happened that we still know nothing about'' and ''And one more thing: if Makkelie whistles the Johan Cruyff Shield, the family of Dieperink also does not want a minute of silence to be observed.''

Valentijn Driessen said he knew the story of The Snor. ''What Johan says, I’ve also heard'', Driessen said on Vandaag Inside.