A'dam mayor threatened after moving Ajax party from Museumplein

Mayor Femke Halsema said she has been "buried under threats and name-calling" since the municipality of Amsterdam announced on Monday that a possible tribute party to Ajax will not happen on the Museumplein on Wednesday but in the stadium. She urgently asked people to "stop it" on her Instagram account. Ajax could become the national champion for the 36th time on Wednesday if it defeats Heerenveen.

Halsema said that the municipality called "numerous companies," but due to the enormous shortage of security personnel, Amsterdam and Ajax had to conclude "that we could not safely organize the ceremony" on the Museumplein. Halsema said she understands the disappointment as she also wants to celebrate sporting successes in a big way. "It is not for nothing that we brought the celebration back to the city in 2019."

Although Halsema said she rarely responds to threats, she now makes an urgent appeal to people to reign themselves in. She asked that people stay "civilized and friendly" around the possible tribute. "Do not damage our city and especially our club."

The Ajax supporters' association is disappointed that the ceremony cannot happen at the Museumplein. "That is deeply sad," said director Fabian Nagtzaam. "Hopefully, this is a one-off, and the municipality of Amsterdam will have better personnel policy next time."

"It is a real shame," said Nagtzaam. "The previous celebration in 2019 went fantastic, except for that one can thrown at the mayor. There were over 100,000 people on the Museumplein who, just like our players, went completely crazy. Ceremonies also often attract a nice audience. You see many parents and children. Now there will only be a tribute in the Johan Cruijff Arena if it ends well for us against Heerenveen on Wednesday. Hopefully, it will be a very nice tribute because our players and supporters deserve that."