Former Premier League star Steven Berghuis was seen punching a rival fan after his current club Ajax lost to FC Twente. Berghuis, who played for ex-Premier League side Watford, was observed walking up to a gathering of fans, leaning over the railing, and throwing a punch.
According to the Dutch daily Algemeen Dagblad, it happened when the fand hurled “racist” remarks at Berghuis’ teammate Brian Brobbey. The incident happened after Twente, for whom Berghuis had played, defeated Ajax 3-1. Berghuis began his professional career in 2011 with Twente, however he stayed there for only one season before leaving.
Ajax fine the former Premier League star for his altercation
The Netherlands international, who joined the Amsterdam club in 2021, was seen yelling at the supporter as he was ready to board the squad bus. Berghuis, 31, started his career with Twente and played with Watford for one season in the Premier League.
As Ajax lost 3-1, Berghuis entered the game as a substitute and received a late yellow card. The outcome eliminated Ajax’s tenuous chances of qualifying for the Champions League, though rivals AZ’s loss meant that they would now play in the play-off rounds for the Europa League rather than the Europa Conference League next season.
Meanwhile, following the release of video showing Berghuis hitting the fand outside the stadium, Ajax have confirmed that the player has been fined. An Ajax statement read:
“Steven reacted in the wrong way. He quickly made this known to [manager] John Heitinga and immediately apologized. Upon arrival at the Arena [Ajax’s home ground], he had a conversation with Heitinga, Edwin van der Sar and Sven Mislintat. They also wanted to hear his side of the story.
“The conclusion is that his reaction was wrong and that Ajax disapproves. He has been fined.”
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The event brings to a close Ajax’s forgettable season, which has been difficult since manager Erik ten Hag left for Premier League giants Manchester United. Alfred Schreuder, Ten Hag’s replacement, lost his position less than a year after assuming the role with former center-back Heitinga failing to lead the side into the top two.
Berghuis said in a statement of his own:
“I regret my action, I should not have done this. After every away game we get a lot of curses thrown at us at the bus, while we make time to hand out autographs to fans who ask for it. I’m used to it now, but people think they can shout anything. My response doesn’t solve anything, I understand that. It is not good, I have an exemplary function as an Ajax player.”
Ajax’s captain Dusan Tadic gave them a lead at halftime, giving them a slim chance to catch PSV Eindhoven and finish second. But after the halftime, they lost, and the hosts ended up with all three points with goals from Manfred Ugalde, Julio Plegezuelo, and Vaclav Cerny. The only way Ajax would have been guaranteed a spot in the Champions League qualifications could have if PSV lost against AZ and they would have won.