De Alkmaarder (20) who set off a fireworks bomb during a match in the AZ stadium in October last year, has been given a prison sentence and a stadium ban of two years. The man has to go to jail for twelve months, of which six months on probation.
The illegal fireworks were set off during a home match of AZ against PEC Zwolle. The suspect stated in court that he had received the fireworks ‘from an unknown person’. He then lit this and threw the fireworks in the direction of the field.
The then 19-year-old Alkmaarder stood in the stands behind someone who was waving a large flag. The fireworks bomb hit this flag, causing it not to land on the field, but right in front of a flight attendant’s feet. He was able to kick the fireworks away just in time, after which it exploded with a loud bang in front of hundreds of supporters.
Illegal fireworks and serious assault
The District Court of Noord-Holland has now sentenced the now 20-year-old Alkmaarder for ‘throwing heavy illegal fireworks’. “When determining the sentence, the court takes into account that the suspect is a boy who has a hard time saying no and does not understand the consequences of his actions.” For that reason, the court imposed a partially suspended prison sentence on him. In addition, he must be guided by the Probation Service to prevent him from making another mistake.
The man was also convicted of aggravated assault in a cafe in Egmond aan Zee, in June 2020. For this he was also sentenced to a prison term of seven and he must pay compensation to the victim.