A football match between FC Groningen and Ajax was abandoned after just 10 minutes of play due to repeated incidents of fans throwing fireworks onto the pitch. The match, between two of the Netherlands' top-flight teams, was first stopped six minutes after kick-off, and then again 15 minutes later, when more fireworks were thrown. Images on social media showed the fireworks still smouldering on the grass as a fan invaded the pitch carrying a sign protesting against FC Groningen's management. The fan initially evaded security guards before being apprehended.
As a result of the incidents, Ajax announced the remainder of the game would be played behind closed doors on Tuesday 16 May. The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) guidelines state that if an object is thrown onto the field of play, the match should be temporarily stopped and the players sent to the dressing rooms. If the same thing happens again, play should be stopped immediately. If a player or match official is hit by an object from the crowd, all matches would be stopped.
The guidelines were put in place in April after crowd violence in the Dutch Cup semi-final when Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen was hit in the back of the head with an object thrown from the stands, causing the match against Feyenoord to be delayed. Sunday's suspension marks the fourth Dutch top-flight league match to be temporarily paused since Friday due to objects being thrown onto the pitch.