A crucial Eredivisie European play-off match between Ajax and Groningen is at risk of cancellation after Harry Styles' concert schedule forced a relocation and away supporters were barred following violent incidents.
Relocation and Fan Ban
Harry Styles' upcoming tour dates in the Netherlands have forced Ajax to move their Conference League play-off semi-final against Groningen to FC Volendam's compact Kras Stadion on Thursday. The fixture now faces potential cancellation, with Groningen supporters not permitted to attend.
The decision follows supporter violence involving Volendam hooligans after their 2-1 defeat to Telstar last Sunday. The municipality of Edam-Volendam announced the ban on Monday, describing the incidents as 'riots that had nothing to do with football' and stating that police, supporters, and local residents were affected.
"Still, excluding away supporters currently is necessary to ensure safety around the stadium, in the village, and in public space as much as possible," a statement read.
Volendam's Own Play-Offs
Volendam, who agreed to rent out their stadium, are also disputing the promotion-relegation play-offs. They face Willem II at home on May 23, just two days after Ajax's match, and away fans are also barred for that fixture.
According to Dutch outlet AD, the decision has sparked anger at Groningen and Willem II. Groningen are understood to have challenged the decision and are currently in urgent talks with the local mayor in an effort to avoid an unprecedented fixture cancellation.
A club statement read: "Monday morning, FC Groningen was unpleasantly surprised with the announcement that supporters of the club are not allowed to travel to Volendam next Thursday. FC Groningen has engaged the professional football league board and is considering the steps to be taken."
Refusing to rule out an historic strike that could derail the Eredivisie post-season, Groningen general manager Frank van Mosselveld said: "We are now looking at where our options and resources lie to take action against this. This is outrageous. Look, the sporting aspect must come first. But we all find this so unacceptable and unjust that we are first trying to ensure that supporters are allowed to attend on Thursday. All scenarios are on the table. We are not ruling anything out at this moment. It surprises and overwhelms us. This is so unjust."
KNVB Involvement
A statement by the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) confirmed: "The professional football competition board took note this morning of the decision of the mayor of Edam-Volendam that no away crowd is welcome at the matches Ajax - FC Groningen and FC Volendam - Willem II. This afternoon there was a good conversation with the mayor. In this conversation, the competition board kindly but urgently asked him to reconsider his decision."
Play-Off Context
Ajax finished fifth to claim the Conference League spot, while Groningen secured ninth place, also enough for a European berth. The two sides will now battle for a place in the final, where they will face either Utrecht or Heerenveen, who meet on May 21.
Meanwhile, Volendam ended the season in 16th, sending them into the relegation play-offs, while Willem II booked a promotion play-off place by finishing third in the Eerste Divisie. Volendam will play the first leg away at Willem II on May 20 before the return fixture three days later.
