Sunday night’s match between Ajax and Groningen was called off after just five minutes after supporters set off fireworks inside the Johan Cruyff Arena. The match was forced to be stopped before it had even begun, and ultimately the referee had no choice but to abandon the match altogether.
In the 5th minute, Groningen had possession when fireworks began to explode on the terrace behind the Ajax goal. The players stopped play and were moved in the opposite direction of the large fireworks display, then returned to the tunnel. The explosion continued, and no player remained on the field for more than a minute.
The fireworks display was reportedly held in honor of deceased supporters.
Authorities ultimately called off the match because they could not ensure the safety of the players and took both players into the tunnel, leaving Ajax furious and issuing a statement saying they would identify the culprits.
“Ajax recognizes that what happened tonight at the stadium is completely scandalous. We apologize to everyone affected in any way. The safety of spectators and players is at risk. This is unacceptable. We firmly distance ourselves from this misconduct. There will be no fireworks in the stadium.”
“Spectators in the affected sections of the stadium were panicking. Dogs were also deployed to detect fireworks, both inside the stadium before it opened and when spectators were entering. Other precautions were also taken. Despite this, the situation could not have been prevented.”
“Of course, we will review camera footage to identify the perpetrators and investigate responsibility through other means. If this leads to the identification of the perpetrators, we will take appropriate action.”
Ajax currently sit sixth in the Eredivisie, 16 points behind leaders PSV.
The Amsterdam side go into Sunday’s encounter without a win since late October and have lost their last two games, with Excelsior leaving their recent visit to the capital with maximum points.
