Video: Riot breaks out in Arnhem after Vitesse-Ajax match; Police attacked

Riots broke out in the Arnhem city center after Vitesse’s last Eredivisie match. Videos on social media show excessive violence between large groups of people. One man seemed to have been beaten unconscious. Police officers were also attacked.

Vitesse played against Ajax in the Gelredome. The match ended in a 2-2 draw and happened without incident, a police spokesperson told Omroep Gelderland.

Things got out of hand later in the evening. At around 8:00 p.m., the police received reports of a fight on the Korenmarkt. “Items were thrown and officers were attacked upon arrival,” the police spokesperson said.

Responding officers managed to calm the situation down without the riot police having to intervene. “With the efforts of a large number of regular colleagues, peace was restored on and around the Korenmarkt within about an hour.”

According to the broadcaster, around 15 police cars responded to the riot, and the police also deployed dog handlers.

The police arrested two suspects. “A 28-year-old man from Driel for insult and a 20-year-old man from Zevenaar for public violence.” The police are investigating and more arrests may follow.

According to the police spokesperson, many of the rioters were wearing Vitesse clothing. “It looks like the vast majority of those involved came from Arnhem and the surrounding area,” the spokesperson said. “A very annoying blemish on a beautiful football day.”