Mayor Carola Schouten of Rotterdam sees an important social role playing for Feyenoord. In an explanation of the recently adopted motion in the city council, which requires a code of conduct, she emphasizes that the club must express itself stronger about what is and is not acceptable within the Legion.
“Feyenoord is a very connecting factor in this city. I think we saw that last week at the impressive moment at which they commemorated in the stadium on 14 May,” said Schouten during a broadcast of RTV Rijnmond. “With that connecting factor and the impact they have on the city, they also have a great responsibility. What happens there makes a difference.”
Schouten refers, among other things, to texts that are sprayed on viaducts or banners in the name of Feyenoord. “I really understand that Feyenoord does not do that himself. But then it is important that Feyenoord itself sets a standard: this is not in our name, and we don’t want that out of our name. They are not responsible for what is on those viaducts, but they do have a responsibility.”
According to the mayor, conversations are already being held with the club. “Feyenoord has to speak out more in this. I have good conversations with Feyenoord. I really see what they are doing and trying to take steps. They deserve support in that. I don’t want to be opposed to Feyenoord, but rather with them to tackle this. That also means that you sometimes really have to standardize.”
Code of conduct and digital reporting obligation
The motion that was adopted by the city council on Thursday evening requires the preparation of a code of conduct. “That is the responsibility of Feyenoord, not from the city council,” says Schouten. “I understand that they are also open to that. Then you also communicate with supporters’ associations, so that you clearly have what you expect and do not expect. There should not be a word of Spanish.”
In addition to the call to Feyenoord, Schouten also announced new measures from the municipality to better control supporters with a stadium ban. “We are starting with a digital reporting obligation. The people who have stadium bans get a reporting obligation if there is a certain competition.” “The Mini ID box checks via fingerprints or supporters with an area prohibition will adhere to this during competitions.
