57 suspects prosecuted for FC Utrecht-Go Ahead Eagles riots

The Public Prosecution Service will prosecute 57 men who were involved in riots surrounding the FC Utrecht football match against Go Ahead Eagles. On May 26 of this year something went wrong in and around the Galgenwaard stadium.

During the match, hooligans threw fireworks back and forth and things got out of hand after the match. After FC Utrecht lost the match, Utrecht fans walked onto the field to get to the section of the supporters from Deventer.

Afterwards, hooligans sought confrontation with the police outside, who tried to prevent home and away supporters from meeting each other. The hooligans attacked riot police with stones, manhole covers and bicycles. Bystanders and police officers were injured.

Following the riots, the police shared images via the television program Investigation Requestedafter which suspects reported themselves. Other suspects have been traced after analyzing camera images. An initial analysis showed that the disturbances involved people who were not present at the match or were banned from playing in the stadium.

The rioting supporters are suspected of open violence, but some are also accused of serious assault or threats. The cases of those suspected of serious misconduct, who invoke their right to remain silent or who deny having been involved, are heard publicly.

The other cases, involving 24 suspects, will be dealt with in a so-called Public Prosecution Service hearing. In these types of hearings for minor crimes, the public prosecutor can impose a sentence himself.

Four of the 57 suspects are supporters of Go Ahead Eagles. They will be prosecuted at another time for their behavior during the match, such as throwing fireworks at Utrecht supporters.

Three suspects are minors, which is why the cases of these boys are handled behind closed doors.