Decision by local triangle: no away crowd at Roda JC matches

The local triangle (consisting of police, public prosecutor and mayor) yesterday decided not to allow away supporters into the Parkstad Limburg Stadium at Roda JC's home matches for the next three matches. The measure applies for the time being until Roda JC's December 11 soccer match against Heracles Almelo and is the result of a number of serious disturbances involving a small section of Roda JC's supporters.

The "time-out" is primarily intended to bring into focus and address (multidisciplinary) the group of Roda JC supporters who have committed several acts of violence and extreme forms of aggression in recent weeks.

Major impact

To ensure this, police and justice will give top priority in the coming weeks to identifying the group that misbehaved. Mayor Petra Dassen-Housen: "We fully realize that the decision we have taken has great impact. However, what has happened in recent weeks is worrying and unacceptable. A soccer game should take place in a sporting atmosphere and in a safe environment. We cannot guarantee that safety at this time."   

Powerful signal

With the measure taken, the authorities want to prevent the situation from escalating further. Mayor Dassen: "We also want to send a strong signal to society that violence around soccer matches will not be tolerated. Only by tracking down and tackling the group responsible for these disturbances do we hope to finally put a definitive stop to this violence."

Emphatic call

Mayor Dassen makes an emphatic appeal to anyone who can help identify the group of troublemakers to report it to Roda JC or to police. This can be done anonymously if necessary. "It helps us to return as quickly as possible to a situation where we can all enjoy soccer again as it was intended," he said.

Roda JC supports tackling the rioters. In this way, the club hopes to ensure that the good do not ultimately suffer under the bad.