Sepp Blatter 'shocked' by death of Dutch linesman

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) -FIFA President Sepp Blatter says he is "deeply shocked'' by the death of a Dutch volunteer linesman who was viciously beaten by a group of players after a youth match.

Richard Nieuwenhuizen died Monday, a day after he was beaten and kicked by players from Amsterdam team Nieuw Sloten following their match at Buitenboys, a club in nearby Almere.

Three Nieuw Sloten players, aged from 15 to 16, have been arrested for alleged involvement in the beating. No charges have yet been filed.

Blatter says that violence is a problem in broader society that can show up on football fields.

But he adds that football "is a force for good,'' thanks to "the example set by the tireless efforts of people like Mr. Nieuwenhuizen.''