Eight Ajax fans arrested after riots sparked by cancellation of second consecutive Eredivisie match

Dutch police have arrested eight Ajax fans in Amsterdam following riots sparked by the cancellation of an Eredivisie match between Ajax and FC Utrecht due to a police strike.

Ajax’s second consecutive Eredivisie (Dutch top division) match as the club’s supporters gathered on the Leidseplein to protest against police strikes.

Sunday’s match was cancelled due to a police strike. As reported NLTimesThe police union announced on Friday that it would not be present due to its strike. Without police officers, the safety of fans and players would be at risk.

Ajax’s previous match against FC Utrecht had also been cancelled due to police strikes. The report claims that the Ajax supporters’ delegation, which includes many Ajax fan groups, was not happy that the club’s matches were constantly being targeted.

“We are disappointed. We thought that Sunday’s match could have taken place, with additional measures and good agreements between the two clubs and the fans,” Ajax’s spokesman told a local television station.

According to authorities, supporters gathered in the city center, damaging the police station and vandalizing police vehicles. Riot police were deployed after the crowd continued to clash with officers.

Ajax have only played two games this season, in which they have won and lost one game each. The other teams have already played 4 or 5 games this season. Due to the postponement, Ajax are currently 15th in the table, just one position away from possible relegation.

The club have not been at their best and will be hoping to get back to their best as they are set to compete in the revamped UEFA Europa League. They will face the likes of Besiktas, Slavia Prague, Qarabag FK and Maccabi Tel-Aviv, among others, in their European campaign.

(with IANS inputs)