The Dutch defend child molester Steven Van de Velde, who received special treatment to avoid interviews

The Dutch yesterday defended child molester Steven Van de Velde, who was given special treatment to avoid interviews.

This came after the 1.98 meter tall beach volleyball player was booed when Holland lost its first match against Italy.

All athletes must give press interviews.

But Dutch consultant John van Vliet said: “We are protecting a convicted child molester so that he can practice his sport as well as possible.”

Teammate Matthew Immers, 23, also defended his 29-year-old friend.

He said: “He got his punishment. And now he’s really nice.”

He added: “No, he doesn’t explain it. We just want to focus on the now and that’s the most important thing.”

“We are disappointed that it is so big because we had to fight for two years to qualify.

“But we will enjoy the Olympics.”

For the three child rapes that Van de Velde confessed to in 2016, he served less than 19 weeks in prison each.

A Paris 2024 official said: “He was taken away with three bodyguards.

“We are not happy with this, but the decision was made at the top of the IOC.”

Ciara Bergman, CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales, said: “It sends a damaging message that sporting competition is more important than the rape of a child.”

His next game is on Wednesday against Chile.