Ajax Game Abandoned: Fans Break In, Fireworks Chaos Erupts

Ajax vs FV Groningen match abandoned due to fireworks

Ajax vs Groningen match abandoned after fans break into stadium, set off fireworks, and force game to be suspended; rescheduled for Dec 2 behind closed doors.

“It was a pitch black night for everyone who loves football, but especially for the people who love Ajax...”

Ajax CEO Menno Geelen revealed that fans broke into the stadium before Sunday's abandoned Eredivisie match against FC Groningen. The fans forced an emergency exit open, allowing hundreds of ticketless fans to enter with illegal fireworks.

The match was suspended after six minutes due to large amounts of fireworks being set off in the stands. The F-Side, Ajax's fanatic supporters, had announced they would set off fireworks in honor of a member who passed away last week. Referee Bas Nijhuis abandoned the game after more fireworks were thrown onto the pitch, citing safety concerns.

The incident has been condemned by Ajax, who stated that the safety of spectators and players was put at risk. The club is reviewing footage to identify and punish those responsible. The match has been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 2, and will be played behind closed doors.

Ajax has condemned the actions of its fans who set off fireworks during their match against Groningen, causing the game to be abandoned after just five minutes. The club has distanced itself from the fans' behavior, stating that the safety of spectators and players was put at risk, and has promised to take disciplinary action against those responsible.

CEO Menno Geelen revealed that the incident occurred when a group of fans forced their way into the stadium through an emergency exit, bringing fireworks with them. Geelen apologized to fans who were affected, saying they didn't deserve the experience. Ajax is reviewing security footage to identify the culprits and will take action.

The match against Groningen will be replayed on Tuesday, but it will be held behind closed doors with no spectators allowed. This is the second time Ajax has had to deal with fireworks being set off at one of their matches, highlighting concerns about fan behavior and stadium security.

“It looks like an emergency exit was violently forced open from the inside, allowing a large group of people without tickets and with a lot of fireworks to enter the stadium,” Geelen said on the club website.

“We are currently trying to identify who they were and how this was allowed to happen so we can act accordingly.”

Ajax will compensate the thousands of fans who attended Sunday's abandoned match against Groningen, providing refunds or other forms of compensation for the disrupted experience.

Ajax vindt het ronduit schandalig wat vanavond in het stadion is gebeurd. Wij bieden onze excuses aan, aan eenieder die hierdoor op welke wijze dan ook gedupeerd is. De veiligheid van toeschouwers en spelers is in gevaar gebracht. Dat is onacceptabel. Wij nemen nadrukkelijk… pic.twitter.com/G57vimgQy3

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) November 30, 2025

“It was a pitch black night for everyone who loves football, but especially for the people who love Ajax. We sincerely apologise to everyone, but especially to those who were in the stadium. They were put in danger, and we couldn't give them the evening we wanted to give them,” said Geelen.

Ajax-Groningen Rescheduled for Tuesday

The remaining 84 minutes of the abandoned match will be played behind closed doors on Tuesday, December 2nd, at 14.30 CET, with no spectators allowed.