Ajax fan injured in stadium fall
A man was seriously injured at the Amsterdam Arena after he fell from the stands onto the concrete ring surrounding the field. The incident took place 39 minutes into the Ajax v. FC Barcelona Champions League football match.
Update, 28 November, 2013 @ 16:20 cet: The man is still listed in critical condition, according to an Ajax representative.
Update, 26 November, 2013 @ 23:44 cet: While some media outlets are reporting the man died, police have only officially confirmed the man has a serious head injury.
Paramedics were quick to respond, and the man was transported by ambulance to an area hospital. Police have not yet identified him, and his condition is unknown. The crowd applauded as he was carried off by stretcher, according to some in the stands.
First responders attempt to help a fan who fell from the stands during the 26 Nov. 2013 Ajax v. Barcelona match (Mitch van Helvert/Twitter)
Update, 27 November, 2013 @ 08:45 cet: Authorities estimate the man fell roughly five meters, landing flat on his face and body.
Graphic photos, like this one we decided not to publish, were sent out on social networks by people in the stands. Some photos showed the man's face completely covered in blood. The fan fell from the Arena's F-Side, Section 126, an area reserved for the most fanatical Ajax devotees.
The unidentified victim crashed into the ground when Ajax was up by a goal. The accident happened around the same time Barcelona player Cesc Fàbregas was given a yellow card for throwing the ball away after Ajax was given a free kick.
Ajax was up 1-0 at the time, and went on to win 2-1.
The team has said they will issue a statement later in the evening.