Home > News > Amsterdam police arrests soccer hooligans

Amsterdam police arrests soccer hooligans

Amsterdam, July 25, 2009 [DutchAmsterdam.nl] — Amsterdam police on Saturday evening arrested eleven British soccer fans who were involved in a brawl.

Though the hooligans are thought to all be fans of British soccer club Sunderland, they were fighting among each other. The fight took place in front of a café in the Red Light District.

Six people were arrested for assault and battery, while five others were picked up because they did not carry valid identification.

The fans were in town because their club is participating in an Amsterdam football tournament. British club Newcastle United had originally been scheduled to play a pre-season friendly at Utrecht, 30 miles from Amsterdam. However, England’s Football Association forced the club to cancel that match over fears that fans of the arch rivals could end up fighting each other.

Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen had earlier demanded that Sunderland withdraw from the tournament in Amsterdam. Instead, the FA decided to give Sunderland priority over Newcastle United, because Sunderland’s application to play in Amsterdam was received first, the club had already sold tickets to its fans, and travel arrangements had been made.

Anton and Janet Hein
Publisher at DutchAmsterdam | Website |  + posts

Anton and Janet Hein live and work in Amsterdam. We are the publishers of DutchAmsterdam.

Anton was born on a houseboat in the center of Amsterdam, right across from the iconic Westertoren and what later became the Anne Frank House museum. Having lived in nearly every district since then, he knows the city like his own back pocket.

Janet was born in England and raised in Ireland before moving to Amsterdam 42 years ago. Even to date she brings an expat’s perspective to the DutchAmsterdam website.

Category: News | Related to:

Last updated Sunday, September 25, 2011 CET (Central European Time)

Hello! Our original content is of course protected by © Copyright DutchAmsterdam .nl
Do not republish or repost. Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape    

Why stand in line during your Amsterdam vacation?

Beat the crowds by booking Amsterdam Tours, Skip the Line Tickets, Museums, Excursions and Activities online. GetYourGuide is our trusted ticket partner.

Leave a Reply

Transparency:
The DutchAmsterdam website includes affiliate links. That means we get a small commission — at no additional cost to you — for each purchase you make. Your support helps us provide this site free of charge. Naturally, as our Editorial Policy states, our content is never influenced by our advertisers or affiliates.