Ajax fine Steven Berghaus for punching fan after season

Amsterdam football club Ajax have fined their player Steven Berghaus for punching a fan after their Eredivisie season-ending loss to FC Twente 3-1. The club announced the suspension on Sunday night after discussions with the footballer, who later expressed regret.

Berghuis, who played 45 times for the Dutch men’s national team, lost control just before boarding the players’ bus in Enschede, as can be seen in a video circulating on the internet. FC Twente is one of the teams Berghuis has played for in the past.

“I regret my actions. I shouldn’t have done this,” said the Ajax player. “After every away game, I get yelled at on the bus making time to give autographs to fans who want them. I’m used to it but people think it’s okay to shout anything. “My reaction solves nothing. I understand that. It’s not good. As an Ajax player, I’m in a position to set an example.”

Sources said FC Twente fans on the bus actually kept shouting irritating words from behind the crash barrier after Berghaus signed. The supporter in question had previously harassed Ajax striker Bryan Broby.

Ajax said: “Stephen reacted incorrectly. He immediately told manager John Haitinga about this and he apologized immediately.” Upon arriving at the arena, he conversed with Haitinga, Edwin van der Sar and Sven Mislintat. They also wanted to hear his side of the story. The bottom line is that his reaction is wrong and Ajax does not approve of it.”

Berghaus came on as a substitute in the final phase of the match against FC Twente. He was sidelined last month with an injury. Ajax finished third in the Eredivisie to start the new season of European football in the Europa League play-offs.