There will be no criminal prosecution related to the accident involving the banner that fell before the match between Stevo and FC Twente in Geesteren (Overijssel) on June 22 last year. The case against the crane operator, who was identified as a suspect, has been dismissed by the Public Prosecution Service of East Netherlands.
Before the football match in Geesteren, a atmosphere action was planned. As seen in footage taken by bystanders, a banner was raised using a crane. The structure holding the banner then collapsed, landing on spectators behind one of the goals, resulting in several injuries.
The police investigation, according to the Public Prosecution Service, found insufficient legal and convincing evidence that the operator was at fault for the incident. The investigation included interviews with victims and/or witnesses and the analysis of available footage.
Four individuals who were injured in the incident filed a report. They have been informed of the Public Prosecution Services decision to dismiss the case. The individual identified as the suspect has also been notified. The Public Prosecution Service has additionally asked the labor inspectorate to further investigate this case.