Reporter Marcel Vink was present in Amsterdam. Read his live report at the bottom of this post.
The festivities for the national championship went off without major problems in Amsterdam on Wednesday evening. The Amsterdam police force looks back on a “festive and manageable evening”. 51 people were arrested, but only a few had to spend the night in jail.
According to the police, the arrests were mainly the result of fireworks, insults or disturbing public order.
“We are champions, we are champions,” it sounded Wednesday evening from the many full cafes in the capital, where the championship match was watched by many. A big party erupted on Leidseplein, which was filling up from surrounding streets. Firecrackers and torches were lit and flags waved. Despite the rain, the fun reigned and people threw their hands in the air.
The Amsterdam police congratulate Ajax on winning the title. “We wish everyone a pleasant and safe championship party,” the corps tweeted. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, there is a large police presence at Leidseplein.
A few kilometers away in the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Ajax was honored. Thousands of fans who couldn’t get tickets for the game gathered under the parking deck at the stadium. There were also many fireworks to celebrate the title.
The municipality of Amsterdam warmly congratulates Ajax with the 36th championship, said a spokesperson for mayor Femke Halsema on Wednesday. Due to the crowds in the city, the so-called triangle (mayor, chief public prosecutor and police commissioner) has gathered in the main office on the Elandsgracht. For that reason, Halsema was not at the celebration of the club in the stadium.
Earlier Wednesday, supporters gathered on Leidseplein, which has been designated a safety risk area together with Rembrandtplein, as well as the surroundings of the Johan Cruijff ArenA.