Chaotic Scenes Unfold as Police Deploy Tear Gas to Quell Rioting Fans After Ajax-Feyenoord Match is Abandoned

The Ajax home match against Feyenoord, a rival team in the Eredivisie, was marred by a disturbance on Sunday. Spectators threw flares and fireworks onto the pitch, resulting in the abandonment of the game. Ajax was trailing 3-0 at the Johan Cruyff Arena when the match was halted in the 56th minute.

The game had been paused twice already. Initially, it was halted when a plastic cup was thrown from the stands. It was then paused again when a firework landed on the pitch.

In the second half, another firework incident occurred, prompting the referee, in consultation with local authorities, to abandon the game, as stated by Ajax.

There was also trouble outside the stadium after the match had been abandoned as riot police used tear gas on fans trying to force their way into the stadium.

Police officers stand guard outside the stadium after the Eredivisie match was suspended.

Olaf Kraak/ANP/AFP/Getty Images

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Following the suspension of the Ajax-Feyenoord match, supporters unlawfully entered through the main entrance. The situation has been resolved and restored to order. The Amsterdam police released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) stating that riot police took action by conducting multiple charges and utilizing tear gas.

Ajax has had a disappointing start to the season, managing only one victory in their initial four league games. Currently, they occupy the 14th position in the 18-team league, with just a two-point margin separating them from the relegation zone.

Ajax, the Dutch club, expressed in a statement that such behavior is uncharacteristic of the club. While acknowledging that disappointment over the team's weak season start is valid, it should never be an excuse for causing disturbances. The club offered their apologies to anyone who may have felt unsafe or inconvenienced by these actions.

Last year, the team finished third and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the 2009/10 season.

Ajax is just two points above the relegation zone.

Olaf Kraak/ANP/Getty Images

Ajax has decided to dismiss its Director of Football, Sven Mislintat, immediately due to a lack of overall support within the organization, as stated in an official statement released by the club.

Feyenoord supporters were denied entry to the stadium for the match due to concerns of potential unrest. The club stated on its website that both staff and players were confined to the changing room area until conditions were deemed safe for them to exit. CNN has contacted the Eredivisie to seek clarification on whether the remaining portion of the match will proceed.

CNNs Rose Roobeek contributed to this report.