In the 2024/2025 season, the number of disturbances and incidents in professional football has been lower for the third consecutive year compared to the previous season. The positive downward trend continues. This is evident from police figures and the Public Prosecution Service (OM) and from the Safety Monitor of the KNVB.
The figures are derived from the Football Chain Provision (KVV), the registration system in which police register incidents around football matches. It appears that the number of incidents in and around the stadiums (including European football) has decreased from 616 in the 2023/2024 season to 363 incidents in the 2024/2025 season. This decline is particularly visible in the Eredivisie. Violence and violent incidents against the competent authority are the most common types of incidents.
Peter Holla, football portfolio holder of the Police: “We are pleased with the declining trend of recent seasons. This is especially good news for the well-meaning supporters who want to enjoy matches in the stadium together. The impact of football violence by a small group of troublemakers remains significant and very disturbing, but the figures show that things are moving in the right direction. Therefore, we will continue to improve cooperation between clubs, KNVB, police, and OM.”
Criminal Law
Last season, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) registered 218 suspects who committed football-related offenses, mainly related to violence, vandalism, discrimination, fireworks, drugs, and failure to comply with orders. A season earlier, there were still 323 at this measurement point.
Up to this measurement point, the court has made 132 final decisions, in which 67% of the cases resulted in a prison sentence. This is an increase compared to previous years. Additionally, the court has imposed a location requirement or prohibition (a stadium ban by the court) 68 times this year.
“I have been a season ticket holder for years, and I see football becoming increasingly safer and more hospitable. Unfortunately, there is a small, very stubborn group that continues to commit serious criminal offenses. It remains up to all of us - supporters, clubs, and government - to take action against this,” says René de Beukelaer, chief public prosecutor in Amsterdam and a member of the Steering Group Football & Safety on behalf of the OM.
For all figures and accompanying explanations, see the factsheet Football and Safety.
KNVB
The KNVB has drawn up a Safety Monitor for the 2024/2025 season. This also shows that the number of violent incidents in stadiums and the number of (civil law) imposed stadium bans have decreased again.
Read here the press release from the KNVB and the accompanying Safety Monitor.
