The match Ajax - Feyenoord was characterised by fireworks in the stadium and disturbances around the stadium. The match was suspended, and the mobile unit had to use teargas to restore order outside. This misconduct can and will not be accepted by Ajax and the local authorities and police.
The policy of Ajax, the municipality of Amsterdam, the police and the Public Prosecution Service has focused primarily on targeting perpetrators: the good ones must not suffer from the actions of the bad. Perpetrators of lighting fireworks, destruction, violence, orderly misconduct or discrimination have had a civil or administrative measure or/and have been criminally prosecuted. This has not been possible in cases where individuals hid in the crowd, under canvas or a balaclava.
After Ajax - Feyenoord, the approach targeting the perpetrator was used, too. Fifteen people have been arrested, and the investigation based on images of ten others suspected of public violence is ongoing. So far, Ajax has identified 32 supporters who have participated in multiple (fireworks) incidents. They will get a stadium ban and will no longer be welcome from Ajax - AZ onward.
In case of the misconduct happening again, the earlier mentioned approach of targeting perpetrators will become more challenging to apply, and collective measures, like placing nets or, in extreme cases, closing areas on the stands or playing matches without (away) supporters, are inevitable. All parties involved hope it will not get that far and rally behind the tens of thousands of Ajax supporters who behave themselves and want to enjoy football safely and undisturbed.
Ajax players unsatisfied: 'It felt like a tennis match'
Jorrel Hato and Steven Berghuis were unsatisfied with their 1-1 draw against AEK Athens. Both Ajax players saw room for improvement after the second draw in the UEFA Europa League. "I saw a statistic that said we conceded thirteen shots on goal in the first half. That is way too many."
