"Two photographers were pushed into the water" - Mathieu van der Poel allegedly not the only person to feel the wrath of rowdy crowd at Hulst World Cup

Mathieu van der Poel sent the cycling world into a frenzy on Saturday afternoon when, en route to victory at the UCI World Cup in Hulst, the Dutchman spat at a certain section of spectators.

Although spitting at someone is always disgusting, no matter the reasoning or provocation, more details continue to emerge surrounding the 'fans' that don't exactly paint them as the innocent victims they first seemed.

On Saturday night, allegations of the spectators in question throwing urine and beer over the dual-discipline world champion emerged and now, according to Nico Vervecken on X (Twitter), it's alleged that van der Poel wasn't the only person who felt the wrath of the rowdy Hulst crowd.

"It was not only van der Poel that suffered from marginal supporters today. Also two colleagues photographers were pushed into the water today during the Vestigingscross in Hulst. Many thousands of euros in damage for both," he claims and when this view is disputed with counter claims of slipping in the mud, "No, incorrect," he replies fiercely. "Both stated that the people were moving backwards on purpose and there was nothing to hold on to. And they ended up in the water."

It was not only @mathieuvdpoel that suffered from marginal supporters today. Also two colleagues photographers were pushed into the water today during the Vestigingscross in Hulst. Many thousands of euros in damage for both. #theyarejustdoingtheirjob

— Nico Vereecken (@NicoVereecken) December 30, 2023