Search icon

Football

30th May 2023

Ajax midfielder Steven Berghuis apologises for punching supporter

Callum Boyle

‘I regret my actions’

Ajax midfielder Steven Berghuis has apologised after a video of him punching a supporter went viral.

The incident occurred after Ajax’s 3-1 defeat away to FC Twente as they ended their miserable season on yet another low.

In the video, Berghuis can be seen lashing out with what appears to be a Twente fan outside of the Ajax team bus before being an official came along to intervene.

One report claims that the former Watford man was responding to an alleged racial slur directed towards Ajax teammate Brian Bobbey.

‘People think they can just shout anything’ – Steven Berghuis

Steven Berghuis has since released a statement, saying: “I regret my actions, I should not have done this.

“After every away game, we get a lot of threats thrown at us at the bus while we take time out to sign autographs for fans.

“I’m used to it by now, but people think they can just shout anything. My reaction doesn’t solve anything, I get that. It’s not good, I have an exemplary role as a player of Ajax.”

The 31-year-old joined Ajax from fierce rivals Feyenoord during the 2021-2022 season, causing huge controversy given the intense hatred between the two clubs.

Feyenoord have since gone on to win this year’s Eredivisie while Ajax finished in third and outside of the two Champions League qualification spots for the first time since 2009.

Their rivals will enter the Champions League at the group stage while PSV Eindhoven, who finished second, will start their journey in the third qualifying round.

Related links.

 

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10