The Eredivisie match between Ajax and Groningen at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Sunday night had to be abandoned after Ajax fans threw a large number of pyrotechnics onto the pitch.
The fireworks started just five minutes into the match, and the explosions forced both teams to stop. The players were immediately taken to the dressing rooms, and the match was stopped. According to reports, the fireworks were in honor of an Ajax fan who died last month.
Ajax condemned the incident in a post on X.
– What happened tonight at the stadium is completely scandalous. We apologize to anyone affected. The safety of spectators and players is at risk. That is unacceptable. Fireworks have no place in the stadium – they stated.
The club stated that spectators were screened and dogs were used to detect pyrotechnics before and during entry into the stadium. They also announced that they will study the camera footage and take action against the perpetrators if they are identified.
Ajax put on a pyro show during their home match against FC Groningen tonight, honoring hooligan Tum, who sadly passed away earlier this month. pic.twitter.com/IBRy8fgW4B
— (@thecasualultra) November 30, 2025
Groningen fans have demanded that Ajax be punished with compensation, loss of points and playing home games in front of empty stands, while the incident fits into Ajax’s turbulent season. The club have suffered two defeats and a draw in their previous three home Eredivisie matches and manager John Heitinga was sacked following the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray on 5 November.
(Vijesti.ba)
