PSV Eindhoven supporters launched a vehement protest against the introduction of Wi-Fi at their stadium during the 6-1 victory over NAC Breda in their club’s opening game of the Eredivisie season.

Fans in the T and U sections of the ground – the most vocal areas of the Philips Stadion – were angered by the club’s move to allow supporters better access to data on their mobile phones during matches, with one banner reading: “Fuck Wi-Fi, support the team”. Placards with crosses running through the Wi-Fi signal were also held aloft before the match with many fans believing the support has been lessened by distracted fans looking at their phones instead of the match.

Supporters’ groups believe the introduction of the technology is just the latest in a series of decisions intended to gentrify the crowd at home matches, with stewards clamping down on standing in sections of the ground where supporters have preferred not to sit for a number of seasons. “You can sit at home” and “Stand united” banners were also held aloft.

Last week, Manchester United told fans that they would not be able to bring iPads into Old Trafford this season.