The Johan Cruijff ArenA and the immediate vicinity are designated as a so-called safety risk area from 2 p.m. on Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday. From that moment on, the same applies to the area around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. Anyone in those areas can be searched as a precaution.
Mayor Femke Halsema of Amsterdam has decided this in consultation with the Public Prosecution Service and the police. The triangle takes into account groups of supporters who will go to the city center and the area around the stadium. There is also the risk of major public order disturbances.
“The police are closely monitoring the situation across the city and are prepared for various scenarios,” the municipality said.
Ajax will play the championship match against sc Heerenveen in the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Wednesday evening. If they win, the team from Amsterdam are champions. In the event of a draw or loss, the team is dependent on the result of PSV, which plays at home against NEC Nijmegen.
Ajax is not honored at Museumplein
If Ajax becomes champion, the selection ceremony will take place in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. According to the municipality of Amsterdam, a ceremony on the Museumplein is not possible due to a lack of security personnel.
Halsema says that because of that news, he was “inundated” by “threats and name-calling”. The mayor says she understands the disappointment, as she is also in favor of celebrating sporting successes in a big way. “It’s not for nothing that we brought the celebration back to the city in 2019.” She asks the supporters to remain “clean and civilized”.