More Trouble for Ajax as Supporters Riot in Amsterdam

Ajax’s turbulent season took another chaotic turn on Sunday, as hundreds of the club’s supporters engaged in violent protests in Amsterdam.

The Amsterdam side have only played two matches so far this season, and have lost key players which they haven’t been able to cover. Now, frustration over ongoing police strikes, which have already caused the postponement of two Ajax matches, spilt over into acts of destruction, leading to a confrontation between fans and law enforcement.

The protests began around 2:30 PM at the Leidseplein, where hundreds of Ajax supporters gathered to voice their displeasure with police strikes that have interrupted the team’s season. Demonstrators were angry that Ajax’s matches against Feyenoord (away) and FC Utrecht (home) had been cancelled due to a lack of police presence. A statement from the Ajax Supporters Delegation reflected the growing frustration: “Partly because of these actions, we are three matches behind in the competition after Sunday, and matches have to be caught up on unfavourable days and times.”

The protest was initially peaceful, but the atmosphere soon turned hostile. Reporters and people with cameras were treated aggressively, and fireworks were set off in the square. Some demonstrators blocked the tram tracks, causing at least three trams to come to a standstill. A tram driver on the scene noted that the vehicles would remain blocked until the protests subsided, with other routes being diverted.

As tensions rose, the protestors moved to the police station on Marnixstraat, where the situation rapidly escalated. Vandalism ensued, with police vehicles and bicycles damaged, barriers broken down, and parts of the station targeted. Windows were smashed, and at one point, demonstrators threw a barrier against the police cell complex. According to a police spokesperson, the exact size of the group involved in the confrontation remains unclear, but their aggressive behaviour necessitated intervention.

Despite warnings from law enforcement, a group of supporters continued to provoke the police. In response, riot police were deployed to disperse the crowd. The Amsterdam police reported via social media: *“Despite many warnings, a group continues to seek confrontation. The Mobile Unit is now carrying out charges to drive this group away.”* This intervention eventually brought the situation under control, but the damage to the police station and vehicles highlighted the severity of the unrest.

The riots are the latest in a string of issues plaguing Ajax this season, both on and off the pitch. The team’s match against FC Utrecht, scheduled to take place at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Sunday, had been cancelled by the Amsterdam Triangle (the mayor, police, and Public Prosecution Service) due to safety concerns. Without police presence, officials feared they could not guarantee the security of players, supporters, or maintain public order. This marked the second time in recent weeks that Ajax supporters had been left without a match to attend, intensifying frustrations among the fanbase.

While the police strikes are part of a broader campaign for an early retirement scheme, Ajax fans have borne the brunt of the disruptions. Sunday’s protest, though ostensibly aimed at voicing dissatisfaction with the situation, spiralled into violent scenes that further tarnished the club’s already challenging season. With three matches now postponed, Ajax will face a daunting fixture pile-up in the coming months, potentially affecting their domestic and European campaigns.

These violent demonstrations come at a time when Ajax is already under heavy scrutiny. Their performances on the field have been inconsistent, and off-field controversies have only added to the club’s woes. This unrest among fans reflects a broader discontent with how the season is unfolding, but Sunday’s destructive protests have now created an entirely new set of problems for the club and the city of Amsterdam.

Site Opinion: Tough Times for Ajax

The violence exhibited by Ajax supporters on Sunday is both deeply troubling and counterproductive. While their frustration with the ongoing police strikes is understandable, resorting to vandalism and confrontations with law enforcement will not resolve the underlying issues. Instead, it only serves to worsen Ajax’s already precarious situation, drawing negative attention to the club at a time when stability is desperately needed. The damage caused to police property, along with the aggressive behaviour toward journalists and civilians, paints a bleak picture of the fanbase, which could have long-lasting repercussions.

From a footballing perspective, Ajax are entering a critical phase. The disruptions caused by postponed matches, combined with a lack of consistency on the field, threaten to derail their season. With the fixture congestion that will inevitably arise from the rescheduled games, Ajax must remain focused and find a way to navigate through this difficult period. However, the club must also work with its supporters to restore order and prevent further violence. Without a united front, both on and off the pitch, Ajax risks losing control of a season that once held so much promise.