An Ajax football match was suspended just minutes into play after a security breach allowed a large group of unauthorized fans carrying extensive pyrotechnics to force entry into the stadium.
Ajax director Menno Geelen confirmed the incident, calling it a “dark night for all who like football but, above all, for those who love Ajax.” The match against Groningen was halted after only six minutes on Monday evening.
The referee ordered players and staff to the locker rooms due to excessive fireworks, petards, and flares launched by Ajax supporters. These pyrotechnics were reportedly a tribute to a fan who died in a car accident.
“I want to once again offer my sincere apologies to the people who were in the stadium,” Geelen told club media, as cited by Dutch press. “They were put in danger and did not, by any means, have the night they wished for.”
Geelen elaborated on the security lapse, stating, “Apparently, an emergency exit was violently forced open from the inside. Thus, a large group without tickets, but with a lot of fireworks, entered the stadium.”
The club is now working to identify the individuals involved. Ajax has also pledged to compensate affected attendees.
As a direct response to the breach, Ajax will strengthen its security measures. This will include deploying dogs and conducting more rigorous searches at future events.
The suspended game is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, but it will be played behind closed doors.