The controversy surrounding the Euro 1988 qualifier between Netherlands and Cyprus

On October 28, 1987, a Euro 1988 qualifying match between the Netherlands and Cyprus at De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam was abandoned after Cypriot goalkeeper Andreas Charitou was injured by a firecracker thrown from the stands. At the time, Greece and the Netherlands were closely competing for the top spot in Group 5, which offered a qualification ticket to the tournament in West Germany.

Following the incident, UEFA initially awarded a 3-0 victory to Cyprus, a decision that favored Greece's qualification prospects. However, the Dutch Football Federation appealed the ruling, successfully resulting in a replay of the match. Reports from the contemporary press alleged that the Cypriot team faced significant pressure and even an attempted bribe of 45,000 pounds to return to the field, though these claims remain unverified and are treated as serious historical allegations rather than confirmed facts.

The Netherlands eventually secured qualification and went on to win the European Championship title. The history of this match remains a point of reference whenever the two national teams face each other, highlighting the intense atmosphere and diplomatic complexities surrounding football matches during that era.