Amsterdam Cancels Ajax-FC Utrecht Match Due to Police Strike Over Safety Concerns
Amsterdam authorities have prohibited the football match between AFC Ajax and FC Utrecht scheduled for Sunday from proceeding, citing safety concerns amid a police strike. The decision was announced on Monday, September 9, 2024, and marks the second cancellation for Ajax this season due to law enforcement labor actions.
The strike is part of a larger labor movement by police officers to advocate for a national early retirement scheme for those in high-stress occupations. Without police presence, city officials deemed the match too risky to proceed.
Background and Context
The Eredivisie, the top football league in the Netherlands, has seen its schedule disrupted by the ongoing strike. A previous match between Feyenoord and Ajax, which was to take place in Rotterdam on September 1, was also canceled due to the same issue.
Decision-Making Process
The decision to cancel the match was made by a deputy mayor acting in place of Mayor Femke Halsema, in conjunction with the district police chief and the prosecutor’s office. They emphasized in a joint statement that public safety could not be guaranteed without the police’s crucial role.
The statement highlighted the traditionally tense nature of matches between Ajax and FC Utrecht, noting that riot police had to intervene in fan altercations earlier this year. The need for police to manage both the crowd and traffic was also a significant factor in the decision.
Reactions
Both clubs expressed their disappointment with the cancellation. FC Utrecht stated that they had explored all options to ensure the match could proceed with an audience, while Ajax echoed the sentiment, indicating that they had done everything possible to play the match.
Despite attempts by the city to collaborate with the Dutch football association KNVB to find alternative solutions, such as deploying extra staff or installing barriers, no satisfactory options were identified.
Implications
The cancellation is a significant disappointment for players and fans alike. The KNVB, which had previously expressed concerns about the targeting of professional football in the strike, had not commented on the latest development as of 5 p.m. The safety of the public and maintaining public order remain the top priorities for Amsterdam authorities, who have made it clear that no risks will be taken.
A new date for the Ajax-FC Utrecht match has yet to be determined.
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