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Ajax vs. Groningen Abandoned After Fireworks Display as KNVB Schedules Tuesday Closed-Door Restart

The KNVB ordered a closed-door restart for Tuesday following dangerous pyrotechnics in the stands.

Overview

  • Play stopped in the sixth minute after a large pyrotechnic display, reportedly a tribute to a deceased supporter, sent fireworks onto the pitch and briefly ignited grass.
  • Referee Bas Nijhuis led players off, a brief attempt to resume failed, and he abandoned the match citing an inability to guarantee player safety.
  • Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema suspended the fixture on the advice of the Dutch FA as authorities responded to the incident.
  • Ajax condemned the scenes as "utterly scandalous," said searches and sniffer dogs had been deployed, and vowed to use footage to identify and sanction offenders.
  • The KNVB confirmed a behind-closed-doors restart on Tuesday at 14:30 CET, and the Eredivisie announced a disciplinary investigation.