Ajax’s Steven Berghuis apologises after appearing to hit supporter

The Ajax midfielder Steven Berghuis has apologised after he appeared to hit a fan following their 3-1 loss at FC Twente on Sunday that ended their dire season on a low note.

In a video circulating on social media, Berghuis is seen lashing out at what appears to be a Twente supporter in front of the Ajax team bus before an official intervened.

“I regret my actions, I should not have done this,” the 31-year-old Berghuis said in a statement. “After every away game, we get a lot of threats thrown at us at the bus while we take time out to sign autographs for fans.

“I’m used to it by now, but people think they can just shout anything. My reaction doesn’t solve anything, I get that. It’s not good, I have an exemplary role as a player of Ajax.”

The Netherlands international joined Ajax from Feyenoord at the start of the 2021-22 season in a move that caused controversy in the Netherlands because of the intense rivalry between the clubs.

Ajax have finished in third place, outside the two Champions League qualification spots for the first time since 2009. The champions, Feyenoord, who finished 13 points ahead of Ajax, have qualified for the group stage, while second-placed PSV Eindhoven will play in the third qualifying round.