Feyenoord must take a good look at how hospitality workers can get away from supporter violence as quickly as possible in the future. Edwin Vlek, chairman of the FNV Horeca trade union, calls on hospitality employers to ensure that staff are sufficiently trained in dealing with verbally and non-verbally aggressive people, although he thinks that in this specific case it is impossible to protect yourself against this. “Just imagine being an 18 or 19-year-old in front of such a big coked-up bear.”
On Sunday, after the match Feyenoord – NAC, five catering staff were attacked by NAC supporters in the Kuip in Rotterdam. Four of them were slightly injured. The police arrested ten supporters.
Scary
“There is nothing more frightening than not being able to get away,” says Vlek. “They were confronted with people who are insane.” According to him, it would not have mattered whether there was a catering establishment or a merchandise stall here. “These people were angry, it just had to be destroyed.” Nevertheless, according to the chairman, the employer is responsible for a safe workplace. “So safe escape routes must always be provided. Maybe they were there, but in this case they could not be found quickly enough.”
Vlek sees that catering staff often have to deal with rude and aggressive guests. “In combination with young employees, this can be a dangerous cocktail.” Staff is trained for this, says the chairman. “But especially at events such as football matches, younger temporary employees are often deployed who have less experience than skilled workers.”
He can imagine that catering staff would rather work somewhere else after these kinds of incidents. “I would think it would be very brave if the people who were attacked wanted to go back to work. But when your own safety is at stake, you make choices. That is a great shame, because these people are desperately needed.”
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By: Editorial Staff
