Ajax-Feyenoord abandoned after flares lobbed on pitch

AFP , Sunday 24 Sep 2023

The Dutch 'Klassieker' between bitter rivals Ajax and Feyenoord was abandoned Sunday after several flares were thrown on the pitch, with Feyenoord 3-0 ahead ten minutes into the second half.

Ajax
This photograph taken on September 24, 2023, shows smoke rising from fireworks thrown on the field by Ajax supporters during the Dutch Eredivisie football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam. AFP

 

The match had already been suspended twice during the first half, once for flares on pitch, the other time after a cup was lobbed from the stands.

A double from Santiago Gimenez and one from Igor Paixao had given the team from Rotterdam an unprecedented lead at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.

TV images showed three flares burning on the pitch with smoke from other flares pouring from the notorious south stands of the arena, where the hardcore "F-side" fans sit.

According to Dutch media reports, police used horses and fired tear gas to disperse fans from outside the stadium. Images on social media showed fans attacking the entrance to the stadium.

Ajax have had a miserable start to the season. After winning their first match, they have drawn two and lost one in the Eredivisie. They currently sit 13th in the table.

Defending champions Feyenoord, in contrast, remain unbeaten in the top flight this season.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

 
 
Short link: