Rotterdam’s Feyenoord celebrate first Dutch Eredivisie title in 18 years

Trainer Giovanni van Bronckhorst leaps in the air to celebrate. Photo Robert Vos via HH

A hat trick by veteran player Dirk Kuijt gave Rotterdam side Feyenoord their first league title in 18 years on Sunday in front of their home crowd in the Kuip stadium.

The 3-1 win over Heracles of Almelo comes a week after Feyenoord were thrashed 3-0 by lowly Excelsior, cutting their lead over Ajax to just one point and prompting riots in the city centre.

With everything to play for on the final day of competition, Kuijt opened the scoring within the first minute, scoring again 12 minutes later and for the third time 10 minutes before the final whistle.

Ajax also won 1-3 against Willem II, and remain one point behind Feyenoord, who headed the league all season. The Amsterdammers sent a message via Twitter congratulating their arch rivals.

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