AMSTERDAM, Sept 9 (Askume) – Ajax said on Monday its second Dutch league game away to Amsterdam has been cancelled because of a threat of strike action by Dutch police.
Sunday’s Eredivisie match between Ajax and Utrecht at the Johan Cruyff Stadium will not take place due to security concerns, the city government decided on Monday.
The Amsterdam City Council said, “Without significant police efforts, the safety of players, supporters and public order in the city cannot be guaranteed.”
The option of playing behind closed doors was also discussed. “However, the risk of chaos and insecurity if police are not deployed is too great and irresponsible,” the city’s statement said.
Ajax said they were disappointed as they believed the game could go ahead without the police “provided additional measures were taken and there was a good agreement between the club and the fans”.
On 1 September, Ajax’s Dutch “Klassieker” game against Feyenoord in Rotterdam was banned by the Rotterdam City Hall due to a planned police strike.
Dutch police have been pushing for better early retirement conditions since May, including lower fines, closing police stations to the public and organising noisy protests using sirens.
He announced there would be no police presence at Ajax’s match against Utrecht, a match which saw clashes between rival fans last season.
The police union has said the strike would go ahead if there was not a good enough chance of success in the early retirement dispute.
