On the evening of Sunday, May 19, celebrations in Eindhoven following PSV’s Eredivisie championship victory devolved into violent riots.
Tensions escalated when police moved to detain a suspicious person near the stadium, prompting a group of football fans to confront law enforcement.
Fans responded by throwing stones, glass bottles, road signs, and heavy fireworks at police officers. Special police units were deployed to regain control. “The level of violence our officers faced was extreme,” the Dutch police said.
Injuries were reported on both sides, with 14 officers hurt. Two officers required hospitalization after being bitten by police dogs, and another sustained facial injuries treated on-site.
Authorities arrested 22 men linked to the disturbances. Charges include disturbing public order, obstructing police work, using fireworks, and taking part in mass unrest. By midday Monday, four suspects remained in custody, while the rest were released.
Eindhoven police have opened an official investigation and have not ruled out further arrests as inquiries continue.
