Peter Bosz has made his position clear on the controversy surrounding Lutsharel Geertruida, insisting that the defender’s decision to join PSV should not justify the insults and abuse aimed at him by sections of the Feyenoord support.

Geertruida completed his move to PSV after leaving RB Leipzig on loan, with the transfer proving particularly sensitive given his long association with Feyenoord. The defender came through the Rotterdam club’s academy, became captain and established himself as one of its most recognisable figures.

His decision to join PSV has therefore sparked an angry reaction from some Feyenoord supporters, but Bosz has little sympathy for those who have taken their response too far.

Explaining why PSV wanted Geertruida, Bosz first focused on his qualities as a footballer.

“This is a good footballer; in the starting lineup he’s a good footballer, and that’s what we need. We need more than eleven starting players,” Bosz said. as quoted by PSV Inside.

The PSV coach acknowledged that Feyenoord supporters were entitled to be disappointed by the move, but stressed that there should be a clear line between disappointment and personal abuse.

“I understand best that Feyenoord supporters are disappointed that he did not come to Feyenoord,” Bosz said on Friday. “But if that goes beyond expressing disappointment, I think that is too far. Even if you are then a big supporter of Feyenoord, you still have to respond with respect to your former player.”

Bosz was even more direct when asked about those responsible for the abuse.

“I don't know who those people are, but I can't imagine they're real supporters or people who can think things through properly. Maybe they're children. To give that attention... Those aren't the people who deserve that attention,” he said.

On Sunday, Bosz reiterated his stance in blunt terms: “Those people aren't worth it.”

NOS analyst Leonne Stentler has also criticised the reaction to Geertruida’s transfer, arguing that the situation has crossed a line.

“People have completely lost track of it; this goes too far,” Stentler said on NOS Sports. “It goes very far. We see that often, that people completely lose the plot and no longer know where the boundaries are.”

Stentler acknowledged Geertruida’s strong Feyenoord identity but insisted there were limits to how supporters should react.

“He has positioned himself quite strongly as a Child of the South. It may be a bit more sensitive for a number of fans, but there are simply limits,” she said.

Her colleague Jeroen Stekelenburg also highlighted the unusual circumstances surrounding Geertruida’s move, saying: “In the PSV press release, the word Feyenoord appears about four times. I find that a bit sad. That a player feels like he has to apologize for choosing PSV. That is not necessary.”

From a footballing perspective, Stentler believes the move makes sense for both club and player.

“I think it’s a very logical choice by PSV. They really need someone who is very strong in the buildup, especially given the injury of Jerdy Schouten. I also think it’s a very good choice by Geertruida.”