The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has imposed penalties on twenty suspects of the football riots in and around Stadium Galgenwaard on May 26, 2024. The riots broke out after FC Utrecht lost the match against Go Ahead Eagles. The cases were dealt with through a penalty order. This took place at four hearings at the end of March and early April. All suspects received a compensation and/or community service.
The OM suspects the twenty suspects of public violence by throwing stones or fireworks. This is visible on various camera footage where the suspects have been recognized by the police. The prosecutor has viewed this footage together with the suspects in almost all cases. Nineteen suspects acknowledge their guilt and express regret. All were assisted by their lawyer. Many of them do not have a criminal record and are not known to the police or justice. All suspects must pay compensation to the police. In addition, most of the suspects receive community service sentences up to the (legal) maximum of 180 hours.
Penalty Order
Nineteen suspects have agreed to the prosecutors proposal to settle the case without going to court. One suspect has not agreed: he denies being the one in the footage. With a penalty order, the OM can impose various types of penalties for common criminal offenses, such as a fine, community service, or compensation. This form of imposing penalties must also relieve the court, allowing the court more time to handle other cases. If a suspect does not appear or does not agree, the case can still be brought before the court.
Other Suspects
Imposing a prison sentence is not possible with a penalty order. Criminal offenses for which a prison sentence is appropriate must therefore be submitted to the judge. The cases of 28 other suspects of the football riots were also treated earlier by the court. In addition to paying compensation, the court has imposed prison sentences and community service on these suspects.