FC Groningen fans allowed to attend Ajax play-off in Volendam after ban is overturned

Supporters of FC Groningen will be allowed to travel to Volendam for Thursday’s play-off against Ajax after all. FC Groningen said on its website that the mayor of Volendam reversed an earlier decision. The municipality of Edam-Volendam had initially barred away fans following earlier incidents, but both FC Groningen and the KNVB opposed the restriction.

“FC Groningen is satisfied with the outcome but regrets the unnecessary controversy that arose. The club will now quickly focus on organizing the away match for its supporters as well as possible,” the club said.

The professional football competition board said they were “delighted” by the mayor’s decision to allow FC Groningen supporters to attend the match against Ajax. “The competition board expresses its appreciation for the constructive talks with Edam-Volendam and all involved clubs,” a KNVB spokesperson said.

The away section at the Kras Stadium will be filled to its full capacity of 400 supporters. The play-off for European qualification, relocated to Volendam because of Harry Styles’ concert series at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, is scheduled to start on Thursday at 6:45 p.m.

Earlier, Edam-Volendam also ruled that away supporters would not be permitted at Saturday’s play-off between FC Volendam and Willem II. The municipality of Edam-Volendam confirmed on Tuesday that it is maintaining the earlier ban, which was introduced after previous incidents.

After a 2–1 home defeat to Telstar on Sunday, FC Volendam were pushed into the promotion/relegation play-offs. Following the match, serious unrest erupted, with Volendam supporters clashing with police. This led to the decision to exclude away fans.

Willem II is “somewhat surprised” that fans are still not welcome. “We also cannot explain why the away supporters of FC Groningen are welcome and we are not,” said a spokesperson.