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Amsterdam disorder: Six Celtic fans in Dutch court | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Six Celtic fans are appearing in court in Amsterdam over trouble in the Dutch capital before their team's Champions League game with Ajax. | |
The men are charged with acts of violence against police officers in a public space on 6 November. | The men are charged with acts of violence against police officers in a public space on 6 November. |
Their lawyer said police used unlawful violence and undercover officers did not properly identify themselves. | |
The prosecutor said beer cans and bottles were thrown and police used force when the accused resisted arrest. | |
During the hearing at Amsterdam District Court on Thursday, the fans on trial said they believed they were being attacked by hooligans when they were arrested by undercover police officers. | |
'Fighting for life' | |
One told the court the police acted in a heavy-handed way. | |
Another, 23-year-old Damian Dobbin, said six or seven police came from nowhere and used terrible violence. | |
He said he believed he was fighting for his life. | |
All six fans deny the charges against them. | |
Dutch Police said eight undercover officers were injured during violent clashes in the city centre. | Dutch Police said eight undercover officers were injured during violent clashes in the city centre. |
During the disorder, police made 44 arrests. Of the 28 Celtic supporters held, 22 were freed - 10 without charge and 12 after paying fines. | During the disorder, police made 44 arrests. Of the 28 Celtic supporters held, 22 were freed - 10 without charge and 12 after paying fines. |
It is understood that the fines paid were up to 500 euros. | It is understood that the fines paid were up to 500 euros. |
Of the six remaining Celtic supporters held, two have been in custody since their arrest. | Of the six remaining Celtic supporters held, two have been in custody since their arrest. |
Dutch lawyer Christian Visser, who is representing the fans in courts, said beforehand that he would be highlighting police "violence" against Celtic supporters in Amsterdam. | |
Fans complaints | |
"There have been many complaints from Celtic fans," he said. | "There have been many complaints from Celtic fans," he said. |
"There has also been footage and pictures from people that said they were beaten up without a reason and I will use that because some of the arrests weren't filmed and the other fans claim they were beaten up as well by the police. | "There has also been footage and pictures from people that said they were beaten up without a reason and I will use that because some of the arrests weren't filmed and the other fans claim they were beaten up as well by the police. |
"Maybe I can't prove that case but I can say 'look how much violence the police used on the fans, so it's likely they used it on this person as well'." | "Maybe I can't prove that case but I can say 'look how much violence the police used on the fans, so it's likely they used it on this person as well'." |
Dutch Police said eight officers were hurt after being attacked with bottles and sticks by Celtic fans. | Dutch Police said eight officers were hurt after being attacked with bottles and sticks by Celtic fans. |
Some of the disorder was said by police to have been sparked by Dutch fans getting hold of a flag which Celtic supporters had. | Some of the disorder was said by police to have been sparked by Dutch fans getting hold of a flag which Celtic supporters had. |
Celtic Football Club said there was "no excuse for any form of violent conduct" but stressed that many fans had been "subjected to a high degree of provocation". | Celtic Football Club said there was "no excuse for any form of violent conduct" but stressed that many fans had been "subjected to a high degree of provocation". |
The club has launched its own investigation into the disorder. | The club has launched its own investigation into the disorder. |
Celtic fans have also been collating footage, images and personal accounts, which they say support the view that undercover police attacked them and used heavy-handed tactics. | Celtic fans have also been collating footage, images and personal accounts, which they say support the view that undercover police attacked them and used heavy-handed tactics. |