Published On 4/7/2026
On Friday, the Dutch Football Association submitted an official complaint to the Public Prosecution, after a number of national team players were subjected to racist abuse by Dutch fans on social media, following their exit to Morocco in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
The Netherlands’ loss to Morocco on penalties (3-2), after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time, sparked a wave of racist comments targeting black-skinned players, led by Justin Kluivert, Quentin Temper, and Crescencio Somerville, after they missed penalties.
The Dutch Federation confirmed, in a statement, that it had referred the offensive messages to the Public Prosecution to take legal action against their owners, stressing that racism has no place in football or society.
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The union said: “Unfortunately, it is impossible to monitor and stop all racist reactions, but we want to send a very clear message,” adding: “There are limits, and whoever crosses them will face the consequences.”
Indicating that the abuse came from within Dutch society, Prime Minister Rob Jetten said that the players “become our sons when they wear the orange shirt, but as soon as one of them misses a penalty kick, insults rain down on him,” stressing that what happened is “completely unacceptable,” calling on the Public Prosecution to pursue those involved to set an example for others.
The case highlights a remarkable paradox, as the players of the Dutch national team went from representing their country in the World Cup to the targets of a campaign of racist abuse, because they missed the penalty kicks that ended the Netherlands’ campaign in the tournament.
