Dutch fans spotted in ‘black face’ at Euro 2024 match
Dutch fans impersonate Ruud Gullit at their match with Poland - Getty Images/Halil Sagirkaya
Dutch supporters at Euro 2024 have sparked criticism for painting their faces black and wearing dreadlock wigs to impersonate Ruud Gullit.
Viewers were quick to express dismay after footage showed at least three fans in “black face” at the Netherlands’ opening match against Poland.
The men were attempting to look like Gullit, as they also wore replica shirts paying homage to the nation’s European Championship title in 1988.
Dutch cultural norms are a regular source of debate, with Christmas character Zwarte [Black] Piet still present despite associations with the colonial era.
BBC viewers were quick to attack the fans for cultural appropriation. “I am aware of Ruud Gullit, he was phenomenal at Milan.... However, Blackface is blackface. It’s disgusting and offensive,” said one viewer on social media.
A BBC source confirmed coverage of the Euros is taken from the host broadcaster and it was not the corporation’s editorial decision to show the footage of the fans.
The Dutch have one of the biggest and most raucous followings in Germany so far. Footage showed a sea of orange fans dancing and singing in unison ahead of the nation’s 2-1 victory over Poland at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion. Substitute Wout Weghorst swept in with a late winner two minutes after coming on.
In the hours before kick-off a man was shot by police near a fanzone for Dutch supporters. The incident was not thought to be related to the game, however. An initial police statement said that a man threatened police officers with a pick axe and an “incendiary device”.
The game went ahead, however, and delivered an entertaining encounter. Poland were without their all-time top scorer Robert Lewandowski, but stunned the Dutch early on when Adam Buksa headed home.
The Netherlands had been the dominant side but missed a number of chances before Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo eventually equalised before Burnley striker Weghorst – introduced in the 81st minute – snatched the win with a close-range finish moments after coming on.
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