Football incidents no longer falling, fireworks remain a problem
There were 365 incidents recorded in and around Dutch stadiums last season, two more than a year earlier.
Listen to this article
There is no audio version yet. Request one and an AI voice will read the article aloud.
Read by an AI voice.
The number of recorded incidents in and around Dutch football stadiums remained virtually unchanged in the 2025/2026 season. According to the police, Public Prosecution Service and KNVB, fireworks and violence against public officials occurred most often.
In the 2025/2026 season, 365 incidents were recorded in and around stadiums, including European matches. A season earlier, there were 363, the Public Prosecution Service reports, based on figures from the police and the PPS and the KNVB’s safety monitor.
This means the earlier decline in the number of recorded incidents did not continue. At the same time, the PPS describes the situation as stabilising. The figures cover incidents recorded by the organisations involved; they do not directly indicate how many supporters were involved in those incidents.
Fireworks and violence against public officials were the most common categories. Violence and discrimination occurred relatively often in the cases handled by the PPS. The PPS particularly identifies fireworks and discriminatory chants as areas where further efforts remain necessary.
The figures cover events in the Eredivisie as well as incidents surrounding other matches and European football. As a result, the total is not the same as a count of offences during Dutch league matches alone.
According to the PPS, the approach involves a combination of clubs, the KNVB, municipalities, the police and the justice system. The national government has long pointed out that fireworks in stadiums pose risks to visitors, players and fire safety. According to the national government, measures include entry checks, stadium bans and agreements on clubs’ responsibilities.
The outcome does not provide a simple picture of improvement or deterioration. The total remained almost unchanged, while specific categories may shift. The total alone does not show how effectively clubs and authorities prevent and follow up incidents.
Also show where in Europe and in the world
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The number of recorded incidents rose from 363 to 365.
- Fireworks and violence against public officials were common categories.
- Clubs, the KNVB, municipalities, the police and the PPS are working together on the response.
Left
Arguments Safe football requires prevention, proper support for supporters and action on social causes, not just tougher penalties.
Values Accessibility, inclusion and public safety.
Consequences An exclusively repressive approach could affect ordinary supporters and worsen the relationship between clubs and the public.
Centre
Arguments Clubs and supporters share responsibility; measures should be targeted, verifiable and applied equally.
Values Proportionality, hospitality and legal certainty.
Consequences Combinations of entry checks, stadium bans, support services and enforcement are likely to be more effective than a single nationwide measure.
Right
Arguments Anyone who uses fireworks or violence deliberately puts others at risk and should be excluded quickly and visibly.
Values Order, responsibility and protection of public officials.
Consequences Stricter checks and longer stadium bans could improve safety, even if they make access more difficult for some supporters.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The figures and main categories were checked directly against the PPS statement of 20 October. The text makes clear that registration figures are not a complete measure of all supporters involved.
Editor's note
The totals and categories come from the new PPS statement. Publicly available information does not provide a complete breakdown by club or match.Sources
- Voetbalseizoen '25/'26: Stabilisering van het aantal incidenten — Openbaar Ministerie
- Vuurwerk in voetbalstadions — Rijksoverheid
More on this in Dutch media
- NU.nl — „voetbal vuurwerk”
- De Telegraaf — „voetbal vuurwerk”
- AD — „voetbal vuurwerk”