Six teenagers and one adult charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of a football linesman last year will appear in court for a preliminary hearing on March 11.

Richard Nieuwenhuisen died after being kicked by a group of youths from Amsterdam football club Nieuw Sloten following a match against Almere side Buitenboys.

All seven suspects are being held in custody. On Wednesday a court ruled three boys and a 50-year-old man could be held for a further 30 days. The three other youths were remanded for 30 days last week. They have been in jail since the attack at the beginning of December.

School

The lawyers of the teenagers, who range in age from 15 to 17, have urged the courts to release their clients so they can go to school. The judges have refused, saying the investigation is still under way and very serious charges are involved.

The Netherlands has a strict policy with regard to juvenile offenders. They can be kept in jail without a trial for 108 days, a period which can then be extended after a pro-forma hearing. That is scheduled to take place on March 11.

The UN has criticised the Netherlands for holding so many juveniles in secure accommodation. According to Nos television, at the beginning of last year, 74% of the teenagers in custody were awaiting trial.