Roughly 250 arrested at Feyenoord football match; winless in nine

By Janene Pieters on February 22, 2016 - 09:29
feyenoord---roda
Unannounced demonstration before the Feyenoord vs Roda JC match in Rotterdam, 21 Feb 2016. About 250 arrested (Photo: Politie). (Unannounced demonstration before the Feyenoord vs Roda JC match in Rotterdam, 21 Feb 2016. About 250 arrested (Photo: Politie))

Update, 11:20 a.m., 22 February 2016: While Dutch police say 250 people were arrested, national media reported an additional 76 were also detained. All those held by police were released from custody by the end of Monday morning.

About 250 football supporters were arrested prior to the match between Feyenoord and Roda JC in Rotterdam on Sunday. According to the police, these supporters refused to follow instructions and used verbal and physical violence against stewards and police officers. 

Mid-afternoon a large group of supporters started an unannounced demonstration. The group marched from Varkenoord next to De Kuip to the Maasgebouw to deliver moving boxes. The police stopped the group before they reached the Maasgebouw.

The police isolated part of this group of supporters - several hundred people, according to the police statement - near De Kuip and checked them for identity, stadium bans, fireworks and weapons. Some of the supporters refused to follow the officers instructions and turned violent. So the police, mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb and the Public Prosecutor decided to arrest the whole group and take them tot he police station.

Two stewards were also slightly injured in small riots inside the stadium. those involved will be fined 220 euros.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw, making this the 9th match without a win for the Rotterdam club. Frustrated Feyenoord supporters have turned to threatening players and directors. Late last month groups of supporters showed up at the homes of Feyenoord players Marko Vejinovic and  Michiel Kramer, shouted death threats at them and told them to "fuck off".

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