Ajax supporters will be barred from attending the Dutch Cup match against AZ Alkmaar on January 14, the Alkmaar municipality announced. The decision aims to safeguard public safety and maintain order during the high-stakes event.
The municipality’s move follows incidents earlier this month during a league match between AZ and Ajax. During that game, Ajax fans allegedly stormed a supporter café in Alkmaar’s city center, prompting an altercation that escalated tensions. AZ fans reportedly attempted to leave the stadium to confront the Ajax supporters, requiring police reinforcements from across North Holland to restore order.
Alkmaar Mayor Anja Schouten expressed concerns about the possibility of retaliation from AZ fans during the upcoming match. “It is unclear whether this would occur inside or outside the stadium and in what form,” Schouten said. She emphasized that such disturbances could significantly strain police resources across the region.
“The exclusion of Ajax supporters significantly reduces this threat, allowing police capacity to be allocated elsewhere,” she added.
National Security and Police Capacity Concerns
Mayor Schouten also highlighted broader security concerns in the context of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague this June. The summit will require the deployment of approximately 27,000 officers—nearly half of the Dutch police force—placing considerable pressure on law enforcement resources. Police authorities have urged municipalities to limit large-scale events during this period to ensure sufficient coverage.
“The police must carefully plan and coordinate their capacity,” Schouten explained, noting that the restriction on Ajax fans aligns with these national priorities.
Response from Ajax
Ajax has formally objected to the decision, describing it as overly restrictive. However, Mayor Schouten clarified that the measure is not intended as a collective punishment for Ajax supporters.
“There is no basis for a collective sanction, but this measure lowers the risk of public disturbances,” she stated. “It is unfortunate that the poor behavior of some supporters results in such a drastic measure.”
The decision underscores the balancing act municipalities face between ensuring public safety and managing large-scale security demands.
