Serious violence cases rise in amateur soccer: Teeth lost, part of ear bitten off
The Dutch soccer association KNVB handled more severe disciplinary cases in amateur soccer last season, including an instance in which a 17-year-old player lost three teeth after an alleged assault. Another case involved a brawl in Den Bosch where a man bit off part of another person’s ear. The increase in serious cases has raised concerns about violence in amateur soccer, AD reports.
The KNVB processed 1,193 severe disciplinary cases in the 2025-26 season, 35 more than in 2024-25. That is also 113 more than in 2022-23, according to new figures.
The KNVB defines a severe disciplinary case as one in which a player receives a suspension of at least four months. For teams, it applies when an entire team is conditionally removed from competition. This also applies when a team receives a fine of 300 euros and a deduction of three competition points.
The KNVB’s disciplinary department opens cases following a red card that triggers an investigation. by the KNVB’s disciplinary department after a red card leads to an investigation. “During this process, both sides are heard. In addition, a club can, of course, take action itself,” the association said.
Despite the increase, the rate of serious incidents has not risen compared with recent years. This is reportedly due to the increase in matches from 743,215 in 2022-23 to 834,000 in the previous season. That is a rise of nearly 11 percent. The increase in severe disciplinary cases was slightly lower, at just over 10 percent.
“Looking at the ratio between the number of severe disciplinary cases and matches, it has fluctuated over the past four years,” a KNVB spokesperson told AD. “The violence is obviously a concern for us. It has a major impact on those involved, because everyone goes to soccer for enjoyment.”
The KNVB has also raised the measures against aggression toward referees. Teams involved in verbal or physical abuse of referees can immediately receive a two-week suspension from playing. The association said the measure prevents teams from returning to competition before a full disciplinary case is completed.
The KNVB applied the temporary suspension measure 378 times last season. “Referees are happy with it,” the association said.
Several serious incidents occurred across the Netherlands during the season. In late May, an amateur match in Den Bosch ended in a large fight involving players and spectators. During the violence, a 47-year-old man bit off part of another person’s ear. The victim, the father of a soccer player, needed hospital treatment.
In Ulestraten in March, the adult goalkeeper of BSV Limburgia allegedly assaulted a minor opponent from RKUVC after a challenge for the ball. RKUVC chairman Léon Knubben said that the 17-year-old player was sent off after the duel, causing the referee to stop play and award a free kick.
The goalkeeper then struck the teenager, causing him to lose three teeth. The player’s parents called police, and an emergency dentist reinserted the teeth.
“The damage to the club is significant,” Knubben told AD. “What happened is not acceptable.”
The goalkeeper was expelled from the club. The case may continue through the criminal justice system, as police have identified the goalkeeper as a suspect.
“The file is now with the Public Prosecution Service,” a police spokesperson said. “They will look into whether prosecution will follow.”
The same weekend, another incident occurred in Amsterdam during a match between SDZ and FC Breukelen. After a confrontation, a Breukelen player struck an opponent hard from behind. According to the club chairman, the player decided to leave the club following a mutual agreement.
FC Breukelen official Sanne Schuurman said the club takes a strict approach to violence involving its players.
“It is unfortunate that the amount of violence has increased, but we are taking strong action against it. I dare to bet that we will get it down again next year,” Schuurman told AD.
