img
Home ajax eredivisie fans news video violent

Ajax vs Groningen abandoned after huge firework display forces players off pitch

Updated: • 0 • min read
Table of Contents
Ajax vs Groningen abandoned after huge firework display forces players off pitch
Photo: @Frits_90
Ajax Amsterdam's Eredivisie clash with Groningen was abandoned after just six minutes on Sunday night when a massive firework display was set off inside the Johan Cruyff Arena, forcing players to flee the pitch for their safety.

The match had barely begun when, in the fifth minute, fireworks erupted above the stand behind the Ajax goal.

Groningen were in possession when the explosions began, prompting both sets of players to immediately stop and retreat from the unfolding spectacle.

The display, understood to have been organised in honour of an Ajax ultra named Paddy - who passed away last month - continued for well over a minute even after players had been escorted down the tunnel.

Broadcast cameras captured the blazing pyrotechnics and scanned the stands, even showing one supporter comically plugging his ears to soften the deafening noise.

Referee Forced to Abandon the Match

After initially suspending the game, the referee confirmed it could not continue as he was unable to guarantee the safety of players and staff.

Ajax shortly after released a brief message announcing the full abandonment, before issuing a longer and strongly worded statement condemning the actions of those responsible.

Ajax Slam 'Scandalous' Fan Behaviour

In a furious statement on their website and social media channels, Ajax labelled the incident "scandalous" and apologised to all affected.
Ajax finds it downright scandalous what happened in the stadium tonight.

We offer our apologies to anyone who has been harmed by this in any way whatsoever.

The safety of spectators and players has been put in danger. That is unacceptable.

We explicitly distance ourselves from this misconduct. Fireworks do not belong in the stadium.
The club detailed the extensive preventative measures already in place, including searches, sniffer dogs, and other checks, and confirmed they would be reviewing CCTV to identify those involved.

They pledged to take "appropriate action" against any perpetrators.

Match to Resume Behind Closed Doors

Ajax later confirmed the fixture will resume on Tuesday at 2.30pm, played behind closed doors with no supporters in attendance.

The score was 0-0 when the game was halted.

Turbulent Season for Ajax

The disruption comes during a turbulent period for the club.

Ajax sit sixth in the Eredivisie table, level on 20 points with eighth-placed Groningen after 13 matches.

They remain without a permanent coach following the sacking of John Heitinga earlier this month, with assistant Fred Grim currently acting as interim head coach.

Their Champions League campaign has been even more troubling.

Ajax have lost all five of their opening league-stage matches, scoring just once and sitting bottom of the standings after their latest defeat to Benfica.

Get new posts by email:
For any enquiries, please contact us here.

Post a Comment