Ajax Condemns Fireworks Display After Abandoned Match

Last night’s Eredivisie match between Ajax and Groningen was abruptly abandoned after a fireworks display disrupted play just five minutes into the game. Referee Bas Nijhuis halted the match at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, ultimately deciding to clear the pitch for safety concerns. Following an unsuccessful attempt to resume the match 45 minutes later, more fireworks were set off, leading to the definitive abandonment of the game.

The rescheduled match will now take place tomorrow, March 15, 2024, at 14:30 local time, but it will be played behind closed doors. This incident marks the third time since May 2023 that a game involving Ajax has been called off due to fireworks-related disturbances.

Ajax has issued a strong condemnation of the incident, labeling the fireworks display as “utterly outrageous.” The club expressed its apologies to all affected by the situation, emphasizing that the safety of both spectators and players was compromised. Ajax stated, “We emphatically distance ourselves from this misconduct. Fireworks do not belong in the stadium.”

In an effort to prevent such occurrences, security measures were implemented at the venue. Spectators in the affected area were subjected to searches, and detection dogs were deployed prior to the event to locate any hidden fireworks. Despite these precautions, the club acknowledged the failure to avert the disruption.

Ajax plans to review camera footage to identify those responsible for the fireworks and will pursue appropriate actions once offenders are identified. The club’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all attendees remains a priority.

This incident has sparked renewed discussions about safety protocols in sports venues, as the use of pyrotechnics continues to pose a threat to the integrity of live events.