In the matchday programme for the first home game of the 2013/2014 season against FC Utrecht, we noted a fascinating statistical anomaly regarding a young referee named Dennis Higler. He had officiated three matches for FC Groningen in his career, resulting in three wins and zero goals conceded. Fast forward to September 21, and page 21 of the programme against RKC Waalwijk announces the return of the club’s unwitting talisman.
Under the header “Higler voor derde maal in Euroborg” (Higler for the third time in Euroborg), the text updates his incredible streak. It reminds fans that Higler was indeed the man in the middle for that 2-0 victory over FC Utrecht just a few weeks prior. This means his record managing the Pride of the North now stood at an astonishing four matches, four victories, and zero goals conceded (including previous wins against Heracles Almelo, Excelsior, and AZ Alkmaar).
For the superstitious football fan, seeing Higler’s name on the “Arbitraal Kwartet” list was better news than a star striker returning from injury. It is incredibly rare for a referee to maintain such a one-sided statistical dominance for a specific club, making this small editorial block a delightful piece of footballing trivia.
A Look into the Future
The magic of the “lucky charm” would eventually wear off as Dennis Higler became a seasoned veteran of the Eredivisie, officiating dozens of matches at the Euroborg over the next decade with all possible outcomes. By 2026, he is one of the most recognizable and experienced referees in the Netherlands. However, this specific period in 2012-2013 remains a hilarious statistical blip in his career—a time when his whistle practically guaranteed a clean sheet and three points for the green-and-white army.