Tilburg sports association Were Di and hockey club HC Tilburg have barred a man from the complex of both clubs following online allegations linking him to pedophilia. The two clubs announced the decision in a Saturday morning email sent to members after footage circulated online accusing the individual of arranging meetings with minors.
Saturday Email Announces Complex Ban in Tilburg
Geert Bullens, chairman of the hockey section at Were Di, acknowledged that the situation currently involves unverified accusations rather than proven charges. He confirmed that the individual in question frequently visits both sports facilities. The clubs have chosen not to release specific details regarding how the man was involved or active at either organization.
“In the case of such an accusation, I think we have a duty of care to our members,” Bullens stated regarding the restriction.
Clubs Consult National Hockey Bond and Welfare Agencies
Club leadership emphasized that the decision to bar the visitor was not made hastily. Bullens noted that Were Di and HC Tilburg are working with several external organizations to handle the sensitive situation safely and fairly.
“We are being guided by the Dutch Hockey Association, Center Safe Sports Netherlands, Veilig Thuis, and a number of other bodies,” Bullens explained. “We are also doing this to give him the opportunity to give an answer.”
Balancing Member Safety With Due Process
The leadership outlined a dual responsibility guiding their administrative actions while the online claims remain unverified allegations. According to club officials, the measures are designed to protect members while simultaneously ensuring fairness to the accused individual.
“Should it be true, then we therefore have a duty of care to our members,” Bullens said. “On the other hand, at this moment it is no more than an accusation. And we also have a duty of care to the person in question.”
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