Today, a 50-year-old man from Den Bosch appeared before the police judge on suspicion of public violence, attempted serious assault, and assault in association, committed on May 23 of this year in Velsen-Zuid. The Public Prosecution Service found it proven that the man struck a Telstar supporter with his belt after the football match Telstar-Den Bosch, injuring the supporter’s face. The Public Prosecution Service demanded eight weeks of imprisonment, half of which conditionally with a probation period of two years and a stadium ban for all paid football matches during this probation period. The judge sentenced the man to 60 days of imprisonment, of which 46 days conditionally with a probation period of two years and a stadium ban during this probation period, plus a community service of 200 hours.
Background
On May 23, 2025, football clubs Telstar and FC Den Bosch played against each other in the Telstar stadium. After the match, supporters of both clubs entered the field where they fought with each other. Weapons were used, and several people were injured. The riots on the field were broadcast live on national television and led to much outrage and confusion in society. Following the disturbances and considering the promotion to the Eredivisie, the Telstar stadium was renovated, including the heightening and reinforcement of the barriers in the away section.
Arrest
The criminal acts of that day were recorded on video, including the actions of the suspect. The police spent significant investigative resources reviewing those images after the match. This, along with other investigative data, led to the identification of the 50-year-old man from Den Bosch. He was arrested on August 28 and has been in custody since. The suspect stated to the police that he was a supporter of FC Den Bosch at the match Telstar-Den Bosch and that he entered the field after the match, where he became involved in the fights. He also stated that he recognized himself in the images shown to him. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are planned.
Conviction
According to the Public Prosecution Service, the suspect used violence in association, climbing over a fence with a face covering into the away section, entering the field, seeking confrontation with supporters of the other club, and striking an unknown person with his belt against the head and body. The prosecutor stated: ‘The suspect is not being attacked or hindered at that moment. He deliberately walks towards his victim armed with his belt.’ The Public Prosecution Service demanded eight weeks of imprisonment, of which four weeks conditionally with a probation period of two years and a stadium ban for all paid football matches during this probation period. The judge sentenced the man to 60 days of imprisonment, of which 46 days conditionally with a probation period of two years and a stadium ban during this probation period, plus a community service of 200 hours.
Expedited Justice
The suspect was tried in a so-called expedited justice session. Football violence contributes to large-scale and impactful disturbances of public order, causing significant damage to society. Especially in such severe violence cases, it is of great importance that a clear signal is sent immediately that the police and the Public Prosecution Service intervene (immediate response). The criminal law can thus contribute to the restoration of public order.