26 suspects AZ riots report to police after appeal

At least 26 people possibly involved in the disturbances following last week’s match between AZ and West Ham United have reported to police.

Police warned rioters yesterday that 24 suspects would be pictured recognizably in Detection Wanted this evening. “If you yourself are involved in these disturbances and would like to prevent your photo from being shown on national television, please report to the police as soon as possible,” the message read.

A police spokesman said 14 of the 24 people wanted have come forward. The other people who have come forward were not actively sought but may still have been involved in the riots.

Rioters had until 4 p.m. this afternoon to go to police. Photos of the ten rioters who have not yet turned themselves in will be shown tonight. Should they go to the police at the last minute, their photos will not be shown. “That would not be proportionate,” the spokesman said. Yesterday, two people already reported after the call.

On Thursday, rioters pulled down a fence and stormed the main stand of the AFAS Stadium in Alkmaar, following AZ’s elimination in the Conference League semifinals. There they sought confrontation with fans of West Ham United from London.

At the match in England a week before, there was also unrest. Then AZ fans were besieged by supporters of West Ham.