Dutch Top Flight Match Lost To Police Strike

The highly anticipated Dutch Eredivisie match between Feyenoord and Ajax, known as ‘De Klassieker,’ has been postponed due to a police strike in the Netherlands.

This decision comes amidst an ongoing dispute over police working conditions, specifically related to early retirement regulations.

Feyenoord, based in Rotterdam, and Ajax, from Amsterdam, are two of the most famous clubs in Dutch football, with a long-standing and intense rivalry that adds significant tension to their encounters. The match was initially set to be held at Feyenoord’s home ground, De Kuip, a stadium renowned for its passionate atmosphere.

The postponement followed a disturbing incident from September of last year when a previous fixture between these two giants was marred by crowd disorder. During that match, which was held at Ajax’s Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, home fans reacted aggressively after Feyenoord took a commanding 3-0 lead. The game was halted after 56 minutes when supporters began throwing flares and fireworks onto the pitch. The match was eventually completed three days later behind closed doors due to the severity of the disruption and the safety concerns it raised.

The Dutch police have declared they will not provide security for Sunday’s fixture as part of a broader industrial action. The strike is part of a protest by officers over their working conditions, which has led to a nationwide impact on various public events, including major sporting fixtures.

Rotterdam’s Mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, expressed concerns about the safety of players and spectators, emphasizing that adequate security could not be assured without police presence. “The safety of the players, but also of the public, cannot be sufficiently guaranteed without the use of the police.”

In response to the disruption, Feyenoord issued a statement expressing their understanding of the police’s position but also lamenting that football continues to be affected by external issues beyond the sport itself.

For several years, away fans have been prohibited from attending matches in Rotterdam due to past incidents of disorder, a measure intended to mitigate potential clashes between rival supporters. The current strike highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring the safe and orderly conduct of high-stakes football matches in the Netherlands.