Soccer-More than 140 arrested over Amsterdam metro vandalism before Ajax-AEK clash-reports

AFC Ajax NV

15/12/2023 11:18

Dec 15 (Reuters) - More than 140 fans were arrested in
Amsterdam for vandalising the metro ahead of Ajax Amsterdam's
3-1 Europa League win over AEK Athens on Thursday, local media
reported.
    Supporters clashed after trains containing fans of the
opposing clubs stopped next to each other en route to the
stadium.
    Fans also clashed with police in the city centre.
    Following the incidents, a station was evacuated to ensure
trains containing AEK fans could pass safely, Dutch public
broadcaster NOS reported.
    The Mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema was quoted by NOS as
saying the incidents were "a blemish on an exciting football
evening that Ajax fans enjoyed a lot."
    Crowd trouble has affected Dutch football several times this
year, with league games being abandoned in April and May after
projectiles, including smoke bombs, were thrown onto the pitch 
by spectators. 
    Ajax secured third place in Group B with victory on Thursday
and will drop down to the Conference League knockout round
playoffs. AEK, who finished bottom of the group, are out of
European competition.

 (Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru
Editing by Toby Davis)
 ((chiranjit.ojha@thomsonreuters.com;))