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| Linesman (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Volunteer linesman Richard Nieuwenhuizen died in hospital on Monday, a day after he was beaten and kicked by players from Amsterdam. Richard Nieuwenhuizen, 41, affiliated to his son's club, Buitenboys, was attacked ... "Our linesman Richard died at 17:30 in front of his family. Mr Nieuwenhuizen's club Buitenboys said: “With great sadness we announce the death of our linesman. Richard died in front of his family. Richard Nieuwenhuizen collapsed and was rushed to the hospital hours ... Bosselaar said shortly before the linesman's death was announced. Dutch prosecutors announced today that three youths, two aged 15 and one 16, will be charged with manslaughter, assault and public violence.
The Dutch Football Association, the KNVB, announced all amateur games this weekend have been called off while professional matches will be preceded by a minute's silence with all players and referees involved wearing black armbands.
KNVB director of professional football Bert van Oostveen said: "It is inconceivable that anything like this occurs on a football field.
"These are the volunteers that we build our sport on, that we cannot do without. Without respect, no football.
"That is why we in professional football want to show our support in this terrible situation.
"Our thoughts go out to the family of Richard Nieuwenhuizen."
FIFA president Sepp Blatter also expressed his shock at the news today.
"I would like to express my sadness and distress on hearing of the death of assistant referee Richard Nieuwenhuizen,'' he said.
"I was deeply shocked to learn of this tragic incident.
"Football is a mirror of society and, sadly, the same ills that afflict society - in this case violence - also manifest themselves in our game.
"Nevertheless, I remain convinced that football - through the example set by the tireless efforts of people like Mr Nieuwenhuizen - is a force for good, and we must continue use its positive example to educate people against these wrongs.''
The Dutch Football Association, the KNVB, announced all amateur games this weekend have been called off while professional matches will be preceded by a minute's silence with all players and referees involved wearing black armbands.
KNVB director of professional football Bert van Oostveen said: "It is inconceivable that anything like this occurs on a football field.
"These are the volunteers that we build our sport on, that we cannot do without. Without respect, no football.
"That is why we in professional football want to show our support in this terrible situation.
"Our thoughts go out to the family of Richard Nieuwenhuizen."
FIFA president Sepp Blatter also expressed his shock at the news today.
"I would like to express my sadness and distress on hearing of the death of assistant referee Richard Nieuwenhuizen,'' he said.
"I was deeply shocked to learn of this tragic incident.
"Football is a mirror of society and, sadly, the same ills that afflict society - in this case violence - also manifest themselves in our game.
"Nevertheless, I remain convinced that football - through the example set by the tireless efforts of people like Mr Nieuwenhuizen - is a force for good, and we must continue use its positive example to educate people against these wrongs.''
