PSV ‘deeply ashamed’ of ‘scandalous action’ fan during duel with Sevilla

PSV is ashamed of the incident with the field striker during the Europa League match with Sevilla. PSV coach Ruud van Nistelrooij spoke outrage immediately after the match, as did general manager Marcel Brands.

Twelve hours later, the club released a response on its website, in which PSV reported that it would recover any financial costs from the accused.

“This is unworthy of PSV and we are deeply ashamed of it,” Brands said. The question is how it is possible that a supporter with a stadium ban could still take a seat in the stands. Brands says the Eindhoven players will look into that issue.

“We are going to discuss with the relevant authorities how we can better enforce stadium bans, hopefully through a reporting requirement,” Brands said.

Attacked Sevilla goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic pleaded for UEFA action after the match. “He wanted to do something to me. It is a disgrace that this can happen on a soccer field. UEFA must intervene.”

PSV goes on to say that it is awaiting the police investigation into the field striker “and will recover the possible financial damage from him.” PSV faces a hefty fine.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office reports that the man involved is a 20-year-old man from Roermond. He was detained shortly after the incident and the man will be arraigned Monday before the examining magistrate. His case will be heard March 8. In 2021 and 2022, the suspect already received two community service sentences for “football-related” misconduct.

The field stormer already had a stadium ban of several years before Thursday night. “If it’s up to me, it will be a lifetime stadium ban,” Brands said Thursday after the match. “He also dupe PSV and all the other supporters. I think this moment is worse than the elimination. It doesn’t belong to PSV at all.”