The abandoned “Klassieker” between bitter rivals Ajax and Feyenoord is due to resume this week. However, Ajax have not agreed with the Dutch FA’s (KNVB) proposal.
Ugly scenes at the Johan Cruyff Arena caused the stoppage of the biggest game on the Eredivisie calendar. Enraged at their side trailing 3-0 to the visitors, Ajax fans proceeded to bombard the pitch with flares and fireworks.
After two pauses to try and ask for fans’ cooperation, officials abandoned the match in the 56th minute. Prior to this, a brace from Santiago Gimenez and an Igor Paixao strike had put Feyenoord in control over their rivals in Amsterdam.
Sadly, the unsavoury incidents continued after the abandonment. Home fans began rioting as they exited the ground, with BBC Sport reporting that local police used tear gas on the crowds. Additionally, supporters vandalised the Johan Cruyff Arena and attempted to break back into the stadium.
So, what happens now?
Feyenoord report resumption date of abandoned Ajax game
Currently, the KNVB have stated that Ajax – Feyenoord will resume their abandoned clash on Wednesday 27 September. This will be a 2pm local time kick-off to complete the remaining 34 minutes, with no fans present. The visitors from Rotterdam will also retain their 3-0 lead.
“After an abandoned match, the professional football competition board determines what happens to the match,” read a statement on Feyenoord’s website. “The basic principle is that the competition must be as fair as possible and that a match should therefore be decided on the field.
“The match must then be resumed as soon as possible. The time has been determined in consultation with the municipality of Amsterdam.”
Although Feyenoord are ready to resume the abandoned Klassieker, Ajax are resisting this notion.
Ajax counter planned rescheduling, disagree with KNVB
On their website, the 36-time Eredivisie champs confirmed their stance on Wednesday’s planned resumption.
“Ajax does not agree with this,” reads the statement. “The league and cup program are now being adjusted by the KNVB for four clubs due to the end of a stopped duel.
“Not only the clubs but also the supporters are the victims of this. That is why Ajax is considering legal action.”
Instead of Wednesday, Ajax have said that the earliest they could reschedule the rest of De Klassieker is November. The Dutch FA are currently yet to respond to the Amsterdam side’s resistance to this resumption.
All of this has stemmed from the volatile frustrations of Ajax fans. Why are the supporters so disgruntled, though?
Why did Ajax fans cause an abandonment of De Klassieker?
The furious reaction in their big game is likely the culmination of a difficult year by Ajax standards. After losing Erik ten Hag to Man United, the Dutch giants finished third in 2022/23, well adrift of champions Feyenoord.
They have then followed this up with an awful start to 2023/24. With a win, two draws, and a defeat on their record, Ajax had their worst domestic start to a campaign since 1965. So, after witnessing their side go 3-0 down to their bitter enemy, it is fair to say that parts of the Amsterdam faithful had had enough.
In the wake of the crowd disturbances and abandonment, Ajax sacked Director of Football Sven Mislintat. The club cited a “lack of broad support within the organisation” as the key factor behind his dismissal.
So, in other words, chaos has descended both in the stands and behind the scenes at the Johan Cruyff Arena. While the club condemned the actions of their supporters, the scenes that caused the abandonment of Ajax – Feyenoord will surely result in punishment for the Amsterdam club.
Featured image credit: Getty
