A highly anticipated match between Ajax and Groningen was forced to be postponed after only nine minutes as fans threw smoke bombs on the pitch.
Ajax and Groningen were scheduled to play an Eredivisie match on Sunday at Groningen’s stadium.
Outraged fans of Groningen, were very angry at their team’s relegation from the Eredivisie. It was the first time in almost 23 years. According to NOS, the game was initially stopped at six minutes when fireworks were thrown near Ajax forward Dusan Tadic when he was about to take a corner.
The match between Groningen and Ajax was suspended due to fan invasion. They are protesting against the team's relegation.https://t.co/7kcDlyMdUR
— VAR Tático (@vartatico) May 14, 2023
The players briefly left the field but returned minutes later. However, fans again threw fireworks and this time black smoke bombs on the field.
A supporter wearing a black balaclava invaded the pitch and waved a banner criticizing Groningen club management. He was then tackled by security personnel and taken off.
This caused the match to again be interrupted in the 10th minute and finally postponed.
What did Ajax say?
Ajax released a statement on social media that read, “FC Groningen – Ajax has been suspended after 10 minutes of playing due to multiple incidents in which fireworks were thrown onto the pitch. But as always: thank you fans for your unconditional support.”
FC Groningen – Ajax has been suspended after 10 minutes of playing due to multiple incidents in which fireworks were thrown onto the pitch.
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 14, 2023
But as always: thank you fans for your unconditional support! ❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/36mNH0Dsvs
Later that day, Ajax announced on their official website that the remainder of the game will be played without spectators on Tuesday afternoon.
Groningen manager Wouter Gudde told NOS later, “It’s very sad when you are the manager of a football club and finishing a game, finishing the 90 minutes, looks like a victory.”
This whole controversy is not the first in Dutch football. In recent days, the Dutch football federation (KNVB) responded to on-field incidents by implementing more security measures.
This was after Dutch international Davy Klassen was injured in a match. The player had sustained an injury to the head after a cigarette lighter was thrown at him from the rowdy crowd. This took place in the Dutch Cup semi-final clash between Ajax and Feyenoord in April.
Ajax's match has been abandoned after just 10 minutes due to the Groningen fans protesting after their relegation from the Eredivsie ❌💥 pic.twitter.com/87CTOkqf6U
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) May 14, 2023
When objects are thrown onto the pitch, the KNVB instructs referees to call a halt to the game. If the incidents continue, the game would have to be called off. This is why the Ajax-Groningen game was called off.
With 63 points, Ajax currently sits third. The team has a high likelihood of missing out on the Champions League or the Europa League next season. The Eredivisie was won by Ajax’s fierce rivals Feyenoord yesterday. Groningen, on the other side, will be relegated after finishing 17th with only 18 points.
