Ten alleged Dutch hooligans who ran riot in Glasgow before a Celtic match six years ago have dodged conviction in Holland – because prosecutors there were not persuaded by evidence from Scots police.
Supporters and bar staff were attacked ahead of a European match with Ajax of Amsterdam in November 2015.
One bar owner caught up in the mayhem described it as “violence on an industrial scale”.
The Crown Office in Edinburgh decided against prosecuting here, believing the chance of securing convictions was greater if the case was passed to prosecutors in Amsterdam.
However, when proceedings opened last week in Holland, the Dutch prosecutor said he was not convinced by evidence provided by three Police Scotland officers over the suspects’ identities.
Hoops Bar boss Neil O’Donnell was battered with a concrete garden slab, leaving his jaw fractured in six places. He said: “I can’t say I am surprised at what has happened in Holland. I always thought this was being done for ‘show’ with little prospect of convictions.
“I have no idea how any of these guys were identified by the police. I was assaulted but I could never have picked out anyone responsible.”
Billy Gold, of the Hielan Jessie pub, in the Gallowgate, said: “I am particularly disappointed for Neil. He was treated disgracefully. No one should go to their work and be assaulted.”
Police Scotland said it could not comment on an ongoing case.
The Crown Office said it decided the case should be transferred to the Netherlands on the advice of Crown Counsel.
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