Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma has found herself at the center of a heated controversy with FC Utrecht supporters following a series of public exchanges that have raised eyebrows and sparked debate within the community. On April 6, 2025, Dijksma responded to an open letter from two supporters' associations, SV FC Utrecht and True Support, who expressed their dissatisfaction with her leadership and announced they were “done” with her.
In her letter, Dijksma made it clear that while the supporters might be finished with her, she is not finished with them. “The opening of your letter says you are ‘done with me for now.’ That’s fine, but I am not done with you yet,” she stated, reiterating her support for the club. Despite the tension, she expressed her hopes for FC Utrecht’s success, saying, “I wish FC Utrecht all the success in the world.”
The mayor's response comes in the wake of criticism aimed at her handling of football-related violence, particularly an incident from May 26, 2024, when clashes erupted following a match between FC Utrecht and Go Ahead Eagles. Dijksma criticized the supporters for their focus on condemning the reaction to the violence rather than addressing the violence itself. “In the days that followed, it quickly became clear that the supporters' clubs were more focused on condemning the reaction to the violence than addressing the violence itself,” she noted.
Furthermore, Dijksma highlighted the personal toll that her position has taken as she confronts the excesses of football culture. “Mayors who try to confront the excesses in football must pay a high personal price,” she wrote, detailing experiences of intimidation and threats against her and her family. “Members of the ‘hard core’ of the Bunnikside were already posting in my street on the morning of the ‘match without an audience,’ lurking for a chance to get to me personally,” she added, referring to the threats she has faced.
The mayor's letter has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Some have praised her for standing firm against the supporters, while others have criticized the public nature of the dispute. On LinkedIn, support poured in from figures like Klaas Sloots, the mayor of Stadskanaal, who described her letter as “incredibly good,” while others expressed concern that the conflict should not be played out on social media.
In her correspondence, Dijksma also made a specific request: she urged the supporters to remove a photo of her and her children from their social media platforms. “Aside from the fact that the photo is my property, I insist that my children remain outside this debate,” she emphasized, reflecting her desire to protect her family's privacy amid the controversy.
While the supporters' associations have criticized Dijksma for allegedly not engaging with them, she expressed her disappointment at their public communication, stating, “I am surprised and disappointed that you have chosen to communicate this publicly rather than privately.”
In the wake of the violence last year, Dijksma has been proactive in implementing measures to ensure safety at football matches, including the controversial decision to hold matches without spectators. This decision was met with backlash from the supporters, who claimed it was an overreach and a collective punishment.
“Nothing shows self-reflection, deep remorse, or even shame about the behavior of the extremely violent and totally unmanageable rioters,” Dijksma remarked, criticizing the supporters for downplaying the severity of the incidents. She pointed out that at least 400 individuals were involved in the violent outburst, which left innocent citizens and police officers injured.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Dijksma remains committed to engaging with the supporters and addressing the issues at hand. “I am always willing to engage in conversation,” she concluded her letter, leaving the door open for future dialogue even as the current relationship with the supporters remains strained.
The situation continues to evolve, with both sides standing firm in their positions. As the city of Utrecht navigates the complexities of football culture and community safety, the repercussions of this conflict may extend beyond the immediate exchanges, influencing the relationship between the city administration and its passionate football supporters.
As this story unfolds, it raises significant questions about the responsibilities of both public officials and community groups in addressing violence and ensuring the safety of all citizens. The balance between support for local teams and the need for public safety remains a delicate one, and how both sides choose to move forward could set important precedents for future interactions.
