Feyenoord director Dennis te Kloese threatened following PSV loss, police investigate
Feyenoord director Dennis te Kloese has been “repeatedly harassed and threatened by phone” in recent days, according to the police. Authorities are investigating the threats as well as the online circulation of the club director’s mobile phone number.
The police stated that after Feyenoord’s 3-0 loss to PSV on Sunday, Te Kloese was inundated with hostile messages and phone calls. Investigators are examining the content of these messages to establish whether crimes like incitement or threats have occurred. If so, the senders will be investigated further, and arrests may be made,” the statement added.
Authorities stressed that sharing private information to intimidate or harass someone is illegal. “Doxing constitutes a severe breach of privacy and can have a major impact on the person affected,” the police said.
Government ministries and expert organizations consider doxing not only a privacy issue but also a form of intimidation that can have serious mental and social consequences for victims.
Debates among fans and former footballers, including on football talk shows, have increasingly called for tougher punishments for such behavior, stressing that while criticism is acceptable, threats should never be tolerated.
In addition to serving as general director, Dennis te Kloese previously oversaw Feyenoord’s technical operations, making him a prominent figure in decisions about coaching appointments and transfers. This high-profile role has intensified the scrutiny and criticism he faces, with many fans blaming him for the poor form that Feyenoord has had in recent months.
The Rotterdammers are currently 17 points behind the league leaders PSV and have been knocked out of the UEFA Europa League and the KNVB Cup. They have won just four games out of their last 16 games, with pressure mounting on the team’s manager, Robin van Persie.
It was reported on Tuesday that the Feyenoord board had decided not to sack Van Persie after the defeat to PSV.
Reporting by ANP and NL Times
