Most Ajax rioters escape prosecution

6 July 2004

AMSTERDAM − Most of the dozens of Ajax fans who stormed the pitch and clashed with Feyenoord reserves players in Amsterdam in April will escape prosecution. Just two suspects will appear in court on 16 July.

The two defendants are accused of engaging in public violence, but the prosecution failed to gather sufficient evidence implicating additional suspects.

The prosecution has studied videos and photos and has taken statements from several witnesses and the investigation has been concluded.

Dozens of Ajax reserves fans invaded the pitch at the Amsterdam stadium De Toekomst (The Future) in mid-April and five to seven hooligans were accused of assaulting Feyenoord players.

Chilean footballer Jorge Acuna was taken by ambulance to hospital, while other players such as Robin van Persie, Gerard de Nooijer and Danko Lazovic were also assaulted.

Police arrested 4 people after the riot, but released them the next day. In the weeks that followed, 48 people gave statements to police, but there was little camera footage because hooligans hindered camera crews from filming the violence.

Subject: Dutch news