The league match between FC Groningen and Ajax, which stopped on Sunday, will be played without an audience next Tuesday.
At 3 p.m., the game continues in an empty stadium. There are just over 80 minutes left to play. The score is still 0-0.
FC Groningen – Ajax was shut down twice in the opening phase on Sunday after smoke bombs were thrown on the field. A masked supporter also ran onto the field with a banner in his hands with a text addressed to the management of Groningen.
After fireworks were thrown for the second time, referee Jeroen Manschot decided to end the game in line with the tightened regulations of the KNVB.
FC Groningen relegated from the Eredivisie last week. Some spectators deliberately ensured that the duel with Ajax had to be ended after 9 minutes on Sunday.
The KNVB decided to tighten the rules a few weeks ago, after Ajax player Davy Klaassen was hit on the head in the cup match with Feyenoord by an object thrown from the audience. Since then, a game has been stopped if something comes onto the field from the stands. If this happens again, the game will be stopped.
If a player or referee is hit, a strike will follow immediately. The latter happened at the end of last month at FC Groningen – NEC. The linesman got a drinking cup against him, after which the game was immediately over. A few days later, Groningen and NEC played the game in an empty stadium (0-1).
Prosecutor is investigating
The prosecutor of professional football is investigating the incidents at FC Groningen – Ajax. The home club says it has made every effort to prevent disturbances, such as the deployment of extra stewards and checks on fireworks. Nevertheless, supporters were able to smuggle a lot of smoke bombs into the stadium and one person managed to enter the field.