Eredivisie Match Abandoned After Ajax Fans Throw Fireworks

Ajax vs FC Groningen match abandoned due to fireworks

Ajax vs FC Groningen Eredivisie match abandoned after Ajax fans throw fireworks onto the pitch, game to resume on December 2.

“We understand the disappointment of the vast majority of well-meaning Ajax supporters and the travelling FC Groningen supporters all too well...”

The Eredivisie match between Ajax and FC Groningen was abandoned after just five minutes due to fireworks set off by Ajax supporters. The F-Side, a fanatic group of Ajax fans, ignited fireworks in tribute to a fellow fan who passed away earlier this week, causing the stadium to fill with smoke and prompting referee Bas Nijhuis to suspend play.

Despite attempts to resume the game, more fireworks were thrown onto the pitch, leading Nijhuis to permanently abandon the match. Ajax has condemned the incident, stating that the safety of spectators and players was compromised and apologizing to those affected. The club plans to identify and discipline those responsible.

The match will be resumed on Tuesday, December 2, behind closed doors, with the score still 0-0 and play resuming from the fifth minute. Those involved in the fireworks incident face fines of 450 euros and stadium bans of 18-60 months.

The Ajax vs FC Groningen match was abandoned after Ajax fans threw fireworks onto the pitch, causing referee Bas Nijhuis to suspend play. The game had resumed after a 40-minute delay, but the same group of fans threw more fireworks, prompting Nijhuis to call the players back into the tunnel.

Nijhuis confirmed the decision to abandon the game, stating, “The mayor of Amsterdam must approve, but as far as I am concerned, the game is officially abandoned. I cannot guarantee the safety of the players.”

Ajax Condemns F-Side's “Utterly Scandalous” Actions After Match Suspension

Ajax released a statement condemning the F-Side's actions, saying they find the incident “utterly scandalous” and apologizing to anyone affected. The club emphasized that the safety of spectators and players was compromised and vowed to identify and discipline those responsible for throwing fireworks onto the pitch.

“Ajax find what happened in the stadium tonight utterly scandalous. We apologise to anyone affected by this incident. The safety of spectators and players has been compromised. This is unacceptable. We strongly condemn this misconduct. Fireworks have no place in the stadium.”

Ajax emphasized that they had taken extensive measures to prevent fans from bringing fireworks into the stadium, including searching spectators and using sniffing dogs. Despite these efforts, the culprits managed to bring fireworks into the stadium, prompting the club to condemn the F-Side's actions.

Ajax will review footage to identify those responsible for throwing fireworks and will discipline them accordingly. The club is working to identify the individuals involved and will take action against them.

The match between Ajax and FC Groningen will resume on Tuesday at 14:30. The game was abandoned on Sunday evening after repeated fireworks were set off, with the score at 0-0.

At the moment play was halted, almost six minutes had been played between Ajax and FC Groningen. The… pic.twitter.com/ByTyUGHUnS

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) November 30, 2025

The KNVB released a statement expressing understanding for the disappointment felt by fans, including the 1,200 FC Groningen supporters who had traveled to Amsterdam, saying they're aware many innocent fans were affected by the match suspension.

“We understand the disappointment of the vast majority of well-meaning Ajax supporters and the travelling FC Groningen supporters all too well. Those who do this are not there for the match or the football. Of course, this has consequences. Those who set off fireworks will be fined 450 euros and banned from the stadium for 18 to 60 months. But above all, it is sad for those who do support their club, the real supporters.”

Match Rescheduled: Ajax vs FC Groningen to Resume Behind Closed Doors

The remaining 84 minutes of the match will be played on Tuesday, December 2nd, at 14.30 CET, behind closed doors, as announced by Ajax and FC Groningen.