“The Frisian derby, which every football supporter of Cambuur or Heerenveen looks forward to and wants to attend. A pleasant outing to enjoy a beautiful football match with friends, family, or even with grandparents. Experiencing the atmosphere in the stadium and watching the match live rather than on TV is what makes football so special.
But it has not been so beautiful and pleasant for a long time.”
On February 19, 2023, it was anything but safe in the Cambuur stadium in Leeuwarden. According to the officer, there was a large group of people who were after one thing: to cause riots. Seeking sensation and participating in throwing stones at, among others, the police, police horses, vehicles, and also at people like the victim, who came to the match and ultimately became a victim of football violence.
Besides the suspect who is on trial today, another 20 suspects were arrested for the violence that took place that afternoon. They have all been convicted by the police judge for open violence.
“The suspect stands before the Multiple Chamber today because he is suspected of being the one who threw a stone that hit the victim and seriously injured him.”
In police statements and also during the hearing, the suspect admits to throwing stones at the police. Although he indicates during his interrogation that he aimed at the vehicles, there were riot police in line in front of the vehicles. The officer: “He is deliberately throwing stones at the police. From the footage and various statements, it appears that besides the suspect, several persons are deliberately throwing stones at the police and that the suspect was part of that group.”
Further investigation reveals that a stone was thrown over a riot police bus and hit the victim. It appears that he has a gaping wound of 8 cm on his cheek, his eye socket and cheekbone are shattered, his left cheek was numb, and he suffered a severe concussion. He underwent surgery twice to ensure that his injuries could heal properly. At that moment, it was still uncertain whether the victim would fully recover. The officer: “Given what is stated in the complaint and the description from the GGD doctor, it is clear that this is a case of serious bodily injury.”
For the victim, it could have ended very differently. “He should be glad he is still alive. This was his first time attending a match because he received tickets. His whole life is turned upside down and it remains to be seen whether he will fully recover,” said the officer.
The officer continues. “Police officers also want to return home safely after their shift. They do their work to ensure that supporters, parents with children, can attend a match safely. They put their own safety at risk to ensure this.”
A football match that ultimately ends in riots with police where an innocent person becomes a victim and is marked for life. That is what the officer charges the suspect with. The officer takes into account the personal circumstances of the suspect in determining the penalty. As a mitigating factor, the officer finds that the suspect, especially with his family, has sought help for his addiction problems and behavioral issues.
The officer demands a prison sentence of 36 months, of which 12 months are conditional and a probation period of three years with special conditions including a stadium and stadium area ban.