Den Haag, whose supporters have in the past enjoyed a reputation as being among the more belligerent followers in Dutch football, showed a different, more light-hearted side to their support on Sunday.

Playing away to league leaders Feyenoord, travelling supporters threw hundreds of soft toys on to their rival supporters.

In the build-up to the match, visiting supporters were encouraged to bring soft toys to throw at the home fans and this they did in huge numbers with hundreds of toys landing on the supporters below.

The recipients were children from Rotterdam’s Sophia Children’s Hospital, the oldest children’s hospital in the country, who walked on to the pitch with the teams before the kick-off.

“Feyenoord hopes that all children and staff can enjoy a carefree day at De Kuip,” read a statement on the club’s website.

The hosts won 3-1 and remain top of the table after winning all five of their opening matches.