TILBURG, Netherlands – Dutch football clubs Willem II and FC Den Bosch have jointly condemned a racist incident that occurred during their Keuken Kampioen Divisie match on Sunday, March 9, 2026. The incident involved a Willem II supporter allegedly making racist remarks directed at FC Den Bosch midfielder Bohao Wang.
Both clubs released statements on Monday, March 10, 2026, expressing their outrage and commitment to addressing the issue. FC Den Bosch was particularly forceful in its condemnation, stating, “Scheve ogen trekken naar een speler omdat hij Aziatisch is, is geen grap en geen rivaliteit. Het is gewoon racisme” – translated to “Making slanted eyes at a player because he is Asian is not a joke and not rivalry. It is simply racism.”
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation across Dutch football and beyond. It underscores the ongoing battle against racism within the sport, a problem that continues to plague leagues globally. The swift response from both clubs is being viewed as a positive step, but many are calling for concrete action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Willem II Investigating, Promises Action
Willem II confirmed that they are actively investigating the incident, utilizing both CCTV footage and witness statements to identify the individual responsible. “The person responsible for the incident is in beeld [in sight],” the club stated in its official release. They have also contacted FC Den Bosch to offer a formal apology to the club and to Bohao Wang directly.
The club emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination, stating that appropriate measures will be taken once the investigation is complete. While the specific nature of those measures remains undisclosed, the club indicated they will be significant. This commitment to accountability is crucial, according to many fans and observers, to send a clear message that racist behavior will not be tolerated within the stadium or associated with the club.
FC Den Bosch Appreciates Willem II’s Response
FC Den Bosch expressed its appreciation for Willem II’s prompt and serious response to the incident. The club acknowledged the importance of solidarity in combating racism and praised Willem II for taking the matter seriously and initiating contact. This collaborative approach between the two clubs is seen as a positive sign, demonstrating a united front against discrimination.
The incident occurred during a highly anticipated match between the two rivals, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. However, both clubs were quick to emphasize that rivalry should never be used as an excuse for racist behavior. The focus now is on ensuring that such incidents do not overshadow the spirit of competition and sportsmanship.
Global Times Reports on the Incident
The incident has also garnered international attention, with reports appearing in outlets like the Global Times. This highlights the global reach of the issue of racism in football and the importance of addressing it effectively. The attention from international media underscores the need for consistent and robust responses to such incidents to protect players and promote inclusivity.
The Keuken Kampioen Divisie, the second tier of Dutch professional football, has been working to promote diversity and inclusion within the league. This incident serves as a stark reminder that more work needs to be done to eradicate racism from the game. The league is expected to review its policies and procedures in light of this incident to ensure that they are effective in preventing and addressing future occurrences.
For Bohao Wang, the incident represents a deeply upsetting experience. While he has not yet publicly commented on the matter, the support from both clubs and the wider football community will undoubtedly be crucial as he processes the events. The focus now is on ensuring his well-being and creating a safe and inclusive environment for all players.
The investigation by Willem II is ongoing, and further updates are expected in the coming days. The club has urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. This collaborative effort between the club, the league, and the public is essential to ensuring that the individual responsible is held accountable and that such incidents are prevented in the future.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent challenges of racism in football and the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures to combat it. The response from Willem II and FC Den Bosch demonstrates a commitment to creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for all players and fans.
Willem II’s next match is scheduled for Sunday, March 16, 2026, against Helmond Sport. The club has stated that it will be reinforcing its security measures and promoting anti-racism messaging at the stadium. Fans are encouraged to report any instances of discriminatory behavior to stadium officials.
