KNVB, Justice Min. denounce anti-semitic FC Utrecht chants

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) calls the anti-semitic chants from last sunday's match between FC Utrecht and AFC Ajax "abhorrent and repugnant". KNVB is currently collecting information to determine if there is a sufficient reason to launch an investigation and whether FC Utrecht did enough to prevent and stop the chants, Parool writes. Supporters of FC Utrecht are accused of shouted anti-semitic chants and songs, that referred to the holocaust of World War II, during the match on Sunday. Ajax fans often refer to themselves as "the jews" despite the club having no current or historic connection to Judaism or Jewish organizations. FC Utrecht is also conducting an investigation into the incident to determine what action the club should take. "If any match irregularities, such as offensive chants, are detected, FC Utrecht will conduct a protocol research, give appropriate response and take action," a spokesperson stated to Parool. Security and Justice Minister Ard van der Steur called the chants "distasteful" and unacceptable and stated that there is no room for such songs in this society. He also confirmed that the public prosecutor started an initial investigation into the case. "The guilty must be firmly addressed," the Minister says. Ajax spokesman, Miel Brinkhuis, says the club is reliant on KNVB, stating that the matter is between FC Utrecht and the football association, and Ajax cannot do anything. "It should be clear to everyone that this is going too far," he says.