24 arrested around Feyenoord-Ajax match, most for discriminatory slogans
Police arrested 24 people during and around the Feyenoord-Ajax match on Sunday in Rotterdam, with most detentions linked to antisemitic chants, authorities said. Officials emphasized that enforcement actions were taken despite the event being largely under control.
The match at De Kuip ended in a 1-1 draw. Police said most arrests were for discriminatory behavior, including 16 cases specifically related to antisemitic chants. Other arrests involved public insults, disorderly conduct, assault, and the use or throwing of fireworks.
“Football is emotion, but there is a limit,” Rotterdam Police Chief Tolga Koklu said. Authorities said emergency services intervened when necessary during the match.
“Discriminatory chants and the lighting and throwing of fireworks are unacceptable, and action was taken against them,” Koklu said in a statement shared on LinkedIn. Despite the incidents, he described the match as proceeding in a “safe and manageable” manner.
“As police chief of the Rotterdam unit, I look back with pride on how we brought this match to a good conclusion together,” he added.
All 24 suspects have since been released, police said Monday morning. However, a spokesperson stressed that this does not mean the case is closed. “That does not mean they are off the hook,” the spokesperson said, adding that prosecution remains possible.
