A spokesperson for Halsema understands that the decision is ‘annoying’ for the away crowd, but states that the triangle sees no other option. “The stadium does not have separate sections or infrastructure to physically separate supporter groups from each other. Moreover, there is no space to effectively deploy large-scale police deployment without endangering the access and safety of regular visitors.”
AFC team manager Tim de Groot reacts disappointed. “It’s a shame, of course. You always want to play with a home and away crowd.” At the same time, he understands the decision and understands the considerations of the triangle. “It is restless in the city, especially after the Ajax-Maccabi match. Our sports park is inconvenient in that respect: it is very open and any malicious parties can reach it a lot easier than, for example, a stadium.”
‘Unnecessary’
Edo Keuning from FC Utrecht reacts a lot less understanding. “In our opinion, this measure is unnecessary and is at odds with the constructive cooperation and mutual trust that has been built up recently between the parties involved,” he writes in a statement. Keuning has also made his dissatisfaction known to the municipality. “It We are surprised that a decision has only now been made, almost two weeks before the competition.”
Keuning finds it ‘extra bitter’ that the Eredivisie match between Ajax and FC Utrecht was allowed to go ahead on Wednesday in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. “1,000 away fans were present at this match and as far as we know, it all went well.”
Lazio
It is not the first away crowd to be banned from Amsterdam this month. Next Thursday, supporters of the club Lazio Roma will not be welcome at the Europa League match against Ajax due to the risk of disturbances. The Italian club reacted angrily and demanded compensation.