Johan Cruijff ArenA to press charges after fireworks chaos, 10–15 suspects identified

The Johan Cruijff ArenA plans to report incidents, including trespassing, public violence, and arson, by early next week after large-scale fireworks were set off during the Ajax–FC Groningen match last Sunday. Ajax told ANP that ten to 15 suspects have been identified from the footage over the past few days. The investigation is still ongoing.

Ajax announced that, following consultations with the police, the municipality, and the Public Prosecution Service (OM), the ArenA will press charges. The Amsterdam club, which is managing communications about the incident, explained that the decision was due to damage to the stadium, noting that it is merely a tenant of the building.

A spokesperson for Ajax said the full extent of the damage is still being determined. The potential sentences for the suspects will be clarified at a later stage.

On Sunday, the Ajax–FC Groningen match was halted at five minutes and ten seconds on the stadium clock when fans from Ajax’s F-Side section continued to set off fireworks inside the stadium.

Ajax announced on Tuesday, when the Groningen match was played behind closed doors, that the first suspects in the fireworks incident had been identified. The club said some of these supporters had forced open an emergency door, allowing fans without tickets to enter the ArenA with fireworks. After that announcement, Ajax remained silent on the matter.

Earlier last month, the Ajax–SC Heerenveen home game was also halted after fans from Ajax’s F-Side set off numerous fireworks. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said that Ajax and the Johan Cruijff ArenA are now developing an action plan, which will explore extra safety measures for football matches. Halsema also requested that the Ministry of Justice investigate the events of last Sunday.