The home fixture of Ajax against Feyenoord in the league on Sunday had to be suspended 11 minutes into the second half due to fans throwing flares onto the pitch. The visiting team was leading 3-0 when the referee made the decision to stop the game and escort both sets of players off the field as flares were tossed onto the playing area for the second time.
Some of these flares landed dangerously close to the players, causing an unsafe situation that made it impossible for the match to continue. It was a distressing scene as the flames from the flares illuminated the pitch, and the situation became increasingly precarious.
Despite clear warnings that fireworks and pyrotechnic objects were strictly prohibited within the Johan Cruyff Arena, the local fans expressed their discontent with their team’s performance using this aggressive and reckless method.
For Feyenoord, Santiago Gimenez got the game rolling with a goal in the ninth minute of the match. However, his second goal, which came shortly thereafter, was met with mixed emotions from the fans in the arena. Some saw it as a brilliant display of skill, while others viewed it with frustration given their team’s struggles.
Soon after, Igor Paixao extended Feyenoord’s lead by scoring the third goal, and this time with an assist from Gimenez. This performance prompted Ajax fans to respond passionately, reflecting the intensity of their emotions in light of their team’s poor position in the league.
In response to the disruptions caused by the flares, the referee officially abandoned the game. The consequences of this incident are likely to be significant, with the club facing the prospect of disciplinary action from the Dutch football authorities.
Eredivisie, in a statement, confirmed the permanent suspension of “De Klassieker” due to repeated incidents of fireworks being ignited on the field, promising further details on how the game would be concluded at a later time. This decision marks a significant moment in Dutch football history and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fan behavior in maintaining the integrity of the sport.
Ajax’s league performance this season has left them in the 13th position, with just one victory in four games. The fans have been unwavering in their support for their team, but the results on the pitch have brought a series of disappointments, leading to increasing discontent among the supporters.
Over the past year, this discontent has grown, fueled by unmet expectations. In the previous campaign, Ajax finished third in the league, narrowly missing out on securing a spot in the prestigious Champions League.
Looking ahead, Ajax faces the challenge of returning to league action on Wednesday when they host FC Volendam, while fourth-placed Feyenoord is scheduled to face Go Ahead Eagles on Saturday. Both teams will need to regroup and refocus amidst the turbulent events of this abandoned match.
