The chants were sung during the 1-1 draw with Ajax during the league match on 5th April 2015.
- By Andy Booth
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As well as a fine of €10,000, FC Utrecht’s Bunnikside stand, where their most vocal supporters are based, will be closed off for next seasons home match against Ajax.
Ajax fans have historically embraced Jewish heritage although the clubs official stance holds the religion with no greater affiliation than any other. Over the years the more the Amsterdam outfit was labelled as a Jewish club – deemed to be an insult by their rivals– the stronger the image grew with their supporters, as an act of defiance. It seems the disdain the association provokes with the clubs rivals has been the primary reason for its retention.
The chants, along the lines of “my father was in the commandos, my mother was in the SS. And together they burned the Jews, because Jews burn the best”, were described as “distasteful” by Justice Minister Ard van der Steur back in April, but have sadly not been uncommon.
The KNVB has reiterated all clubs’ responsibility to help stamp this sort of behaviour out of football and it seems unlikely that the club will appeal against the punishment. They have until 1st June in the unlikely event that they do appeal.
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