Things got out of hand after the match between FC Utrecht and Olympique Lyon on September 25. A group of FC Utrecht supporters banged against the tunnel doors through which Lyon supporters were leaving the stadium. This has been charged as public violence against property. The police confronted the group, after which the supporters turned against the police.
Several officers filed reports of assault and public violence. Besides the four arrested men, the police have other suspects in sight. The police consider the violence used deeply regrettable. Relations with supporters are generally good. The police even have a special supporters guidance group that maintains close contact with supporters and focuses on connection and mutual relations.
Police officers from the supporters guidance group indicate they are dealing with a new, young group of supporters who do not know how to behave. They will have to face the consequences. Arrested suspects are prohibited from attending their club’s matches for the time being.
The three adult suspects were summoned after questioning and released. They will have to answer to the court at the end of January. Until then, they have been subjected to measures imposed by both the public prosecutor and the mayor of Utrecht. For example, they are not allowed to attend matches, must report during the match today against FC Porto (November 6), and have a ban on attending training sessions. The minor will have to answer to the Public Prosecutor at a later date.
The KNVB can also impose measures, such as a stadium ban.