Ajax v Feyenoord: KNVB orders abandoned match to resume on Wednesday with no fans

Ajax supporters throw flares onto the pitch during the Dutch Eredivisie soccer match between Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord Rotterdam in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 24 September 2023. EPA / OLAF KRAAK

Ajax have been ordered to resume their abandoned match against Feyenoord on Wednesday without spectators by the Dutch football Association (KNVB).

Ajax's home match against Eredivisie champions Feyenoord was abandoned on Sunday as fans threw flares onto the pitch, and mounted police used tear gas to disperse rioting fans outside the stadium.

Ajax were trailing 3-0 in the second half when the game was suspended for a second time in the 56th minute before being abandoned. The remaining minutes will now be played behind closed doors at Ajax's Johan Cruyff Arena.

Ajax voiced disagreement with the KNVB's decision, citing scheduling concerns, and adding they were considering taking legal steps.

"The competition and Dutch Cup program is being adjusted for four clubs by the KNVB to play the remainder of a suspended match," the club said in a statement.

"Not only the clubs but also the supporters suffer the consequences of this."

The KNVB defended their decision in their own statement.

"The basic principle is that the competition must be as fair as possible and that a match should therefore preferably be decided on the field. The match must then be resumed as quickly as possible."

The Eredivisie match between Ajax and Volendam, initially scheduled for Wednesday, will be postponed to a later date.

Volendam also disagreed with the KNVB's decision to postpone their game and said they will "investigate what the club's rights are".

Thirty-six-time Dutch champions Ajax, who have had a poor start to the season with just one win, sit 14th in the 18-team league. They finished third last season and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 13 seasons.

Fireworks on the pitch during the Dutch Eredivisie soccer match between Ajax and Feyenoord. EPA

Ajax coach Maurice Steijn looks on during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax and Feyenoord. EPA

Igor Paixao of Feyenoord scores the goal to make it 3-0 for Feyenoord over Ajax. EPA

Steven Berghuis, Josip Sutalo, and Branco van den Boomen, left to right, of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie soccer match between Ajax and Feyenoord. EPA

Ajax supporters throw flares onto the pitch during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax and Feyenoord. The match was abandoned after 56 minutes. EPA

The match is abandoned for the second time due to flares on the pitch. EPA

A lone fan sits in the stands as the match has been permanently stopped due to flares on the pitch. EPA

Riot police are deployed around the Johan Cruyff Arena after the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax and Feyenoord. EPA

Police officers use teargas to disperse football fans rioting Johan Cruyff Arena. EPA

Staff clean up a vandalized entrance to Johan Cruyff Arena. EPA