The real reason thousands of fans will be missing for Arne Slot's farewell at Feyenoord

Feyenoord's farewell match for outgoing manager Arne Slot will be missing thousands of fans due to sanctions imposed by the Dutch Football Association (KNVB), casting a shadow over what would have been a celebratory occasion.

Slot is leaving to take over as Liverpool's head coach after guiding the Rotterdam club to a successful season, including winning the KNVB Cup.

His final game at De Kuip Stadium, against Excelsior on May 19, was expected to be a lively send-off.

However, it will now lack the usual atmosphere, as Feyenoord's home stand, the Gerard Meijer Tribune, will be partly empty due to sanctions, according to This is Anfield.

The sanctions stem from the use of pyrotechnics by Feyenoord fans during the KNVB Cup semi-final against FC Groningen in February.

As a result, four blocks in the home stand will remain closed, preventing thousands of the club's most vocal supporters from attending Slot's final game.

The punishment is due to repeated offences involving fan behaviour in the stand, leaving Feyenoord with no choice but to comply with the KNVB's ruling.

Slot's last match with Feyenoord is set to be bittersweet. The club is virtually assured a second-place finish in the Eredivisie, with PSV Eindhoven needing just a single point from their final three matches to secure the title.

This will mark a strong conclusion to Slot's tenure, adding to his successful track record as he prepares to move to Liverpool.

Liverpool have reportedly signed off on Slot's appointment, replacing Jurgen Klopp, who leaves at the end of the season.

The Reds are believed to have agreed to a compensation deal with Feyenoord worth around €11 million, which also includes Slot's key staff, such as assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff, head of performance Ruben Peeters, and technical advisor Etienne Reijnen.

As Liverpool look forward to their new era under Slot, their preseason preparations will be impacted by the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, which takes place from June 14 to July 14.

Liverpool's first pre-season friendly is scheduled for July 26 against Real Betis in the United States, while training at the AXA Training Centre is expected to begin earlier in July.