Feyenoord accused of trying to cover up assault of a referee by two club supporters

Rotterdam football club Feyenoord tried in vain to stop a referee from pressing charges in connection with an incident in which two members of a hard-core Feyenoord supporters group allegedly attacked him. The assault occurred during a supporters' tournament in their stadium, De Kuip, according to information obtained by online video program BOOS and NRC. The victim was allegedly asked by an employee of the club’s Supporters Affairs department to "settle the matter outside the judicial system."

Several incidents that took place in the last few years were also discussed during the BOOS episode. One of these incidents included death threats that were sent to the former mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, and his daughter.

Several of the club’s directors, a Rotterdam alderman, and a member of the LGBTI supporters group the Roze Kameraden also faced serious threats. It was also reported that some of the people behind these threats are still welcome in De Kuip, and have gone unpunished.

The information came from previously undisclosed criminal files, messages, emails, and conversations with those involved. The suspects of the assault on the referee, members of Feyenoord's hard-core fan group, will soon be tried for the assault.

“Feyenoord has had a problem with their hard-core fan group for years,” said BOOS and NRC. “The investigation shows that the club facilitates hooligans involved in anti-Semitism, homophobic expressions and death threats."

Feyenoord responded with a written statement to the BOOS producers, but did not discuss the incident in the statement. The club said that they have spent several millions of euros and a significant amount of energy on supporters' policies and that improvements have been made over the last few years.

"Feyenoord supports successful supporters policy. The Supporters Affairs department and the Supporters Liaison Officer (SLO) are the bridge between the club and its supporters, from the fanatic supporters to the occasional visitor,” the club said.

They added that the SLO has a unique position. "Through close contact and good relationships with various supporter groups, including the hard-core, the SLO has valuable knowledge and insight into what is going on within these groups. This collaboration prevents tensions, increases mutual understanding, and leads to joint solutions."