Arnhem mayor calls for violence and fireworks to be driven out of football stadiums

Arnhem mayor Ahmed Marcouch has called for violence and fireworks to be driven out of Dutch professional football stadiums, after a match between Vitesse and De Graafschap was called off and visiting supporters stopped their own team bus in Doetinchem.

The first-division fixture was cancelled after De Graafschap supporters were barred from attending in Arnhem. A special arrangement had allowed 500 fans to travel, provided they underwent checks before setting off. When some refused, Arnhem decided not to admit any visiting supporters, Marcouch told ANP.

“The responsibility really lies with De Graafschap’s supporters,” he said. “We gave them the chance to come, but under our safety measures.” He called the decision to stop the team bus “bizarre”.

The measures followed disorder at the GelreDome last season during a match between the clubs. Marcouch said it was unacceptable for children to sometimes feel afraid when going to a football match.

In a previous appeal to football supporters, Marcouch urged people concerned about possible disorder in Arnhem to alert police rather than take matters into their own hands.