Soccer-Ajax v Feyenoord suspended after fans throw flares on pitch

AFC Ajax NV

24/09/2023 16:16

Sept 24 (Reuters) - Ajax Amsterdam's home Eredivisie
game against defending champions Feyenoord was suspended 11
minutes into the second half after disgruntled fans threw flares
onto the pitch with the visitors leading 3-0 on Sunday.
    Ajax, who have had a poor start to the season with just one
win, sit 13th in the 18-team league and they conceded all three
goals in the first half, leading to discontent from the fans.
    When flares were thrown onto the pitch for a second time,
with many landing near the goal, the referee stopped the contest
and directed the players down the tunnel.
    Fans paid no heed as the club displayed the message
'Lighting of fireworks is prohibited' on the big screen at the
at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
    "De Klassieker has been permanently suspended after repeated
fireworks on the field," Eredivisie said in a statement.
    "More information on playing out this game will follow
later."
    Ajax finished third last season and failed to qualify for
the Champions League for the first time in 13 seasons. They had 
finished champions seven times and runners-up another five over
the previous 12 seasons.

 (Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru
Editing by Toby Davis)
 ((Rohith.Nair@thomsonreuters.com | Twitter: @RohithNair;))