AZ cleared on appeal in 2023 Legia Warsaw football riot; 5 more fans in court
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in favor of AZ Alkmaar, overturning a 40,000-euro UEFA fine linked to violent incidents during the October 2023 Europa Conference League match against Legia Warszawa. CAS found that AZ took all necessary security measures and is not responsible for the disorder that erupted before and during the match.
Ahead of the game, Legia supporters violently clashed with Dutch riot police (Mobiele Eenheid or ME) outside AZ’s stadium. Fans attacked police officers with bottles, sticks, and fists, seized batons and pepper spray from officers—leaving one unconscious—and forced police to deploy tear gas to control the chaos. After the match, two Legia players were arrested for assaulting AZ staff members.
Although UEFA initially rejected AZ’s protest against the fine, CAS ruled the club bore no blame. AZ called the decision “a confirmation we have believed in from day one,” and the fine will not be enforced.
The violent episodes sparked strong reactions in Poland. Legia condemned the police intervention as “scandalous” and protested the arrest of their players. At the time, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki protested to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who was also serving as prime minister then.
Separately, five Legia supporters appeared in court Tuesday in Alkmaar charged with violently attacking and threatening the ME officers in the lead-up to the match. The Public Prosecution Service said the five men, aged 27 to 44, were part of a large group that repeatedly assaulted officers with kicks, punches, and weapons including bottles and sticks. Some even stole police equipment such as helmets and batons, confirmed by evidence including social media posts.
Prosecutors demanded prison sentences of up to 14 months, a ban on attending events in Alkmaar, and victim compensation for the officers, many of whom suffered lasting physical and psychological injuries and described fearing for their lives during the attacks.
The prosecutor described the assaults as “massive, reckless, and relentless,” emphasizing the attackers’ deliberate targeting of officers who were present to maintain order and safety during the match.
