Outrageous Pyrotechnics Force Cancelltion in Amsterdam, Ajax Condemns Fan Behavior
It sounds like a catchy way to describe an Ajax team and Dutch League atmosphere overseas in Amsterdam:
- A tightly contested soccer match has an obscene amount of explosive play and fireworks.
- The play was so hot that smoke rose from the stands.
But in this case, it is literal, and was enough to cancel the game and prompt officials to offer apologies to their opponent. What should have been a routine Dutch league match devolved into chaos on Sunday (Nov. 30) as Ajax’s contest against Groningen at the Johan Cruyff Arena was abandoned just minutes after it began.
Ajax vs. Groningen Match Abandoned After Fireworks
The dramatic cancellation came after Ajax fans unleashed a barrage of fireworks and flares, creating a dangerous and unplayable environment that left officials with no choice but to call off the game.
The videos from the event show thick plumes of smoke billowing from behind one of the goals as the unmistakable crackle and glow of fireworks filled the air. Referee Bas Nijhuis quickly led the players off the field, a standard procedure for ensuring safety. However, the interruption was not a deterrent. When an attempt was made to restart the match, another wave of pyrotechnics was ignited, sealing the game’s fate. With the score still deadlocked at 0-0, the match was officially abandoned.
An Apology and a Promise for Action
In the aftermath, Ajax issued a forceful condemnation of the events, expressing deep regret and frustration. The club released a statement calling the behavior “utterly outrageous” and “downright scandalous,” extending a formal apology to everyone impacted by the disruption.
The Ajax club statement:
“The spectators who were in the section of the stadium in question were searched. Dogs were also deployed to detect fireworks, both in the stadium before it opened and at the entry of the spectators. In addition, other preventive measures were taken. Despite this, we were unable to prevent this situation.
We will of course study the camera footage to try to identify the perpetrators and, in addition, investigate in other ways who is responsible for this. If that leads to the identification of perpetrators, we will take appropriate measures.”
Rematch Scheduled Behind Closed Doors
With the original match scrapped, the contest will be replayed. Ajax confirmed the game against Groningen will take place on Tuesday, but with a significant change: it will be held behind closed doors. The decision to exclude fans ensures the match can proceed without further risk, though it serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of Sunday’s dangerous display.
The empty stands on Tuesday will be a silent testament to the actions that forced players and legitimate fans from the stadium, leaving Ajax to grapple with the fallout and search for answers.
