Mayor Jan van Zanen stalls on Ajax fans for Eredivisie clash

The Hague’s mayor Jan van Zanen said on Tuesday he cannot yet confirm whether Ajax supporters will be allowed at the Eredivisie clash with ADO, as talks between the clubs continue. The first encounter is set for 21 November at the Johan Cruijff Arena, with the return fixture scheduled for 6 March in The Hague.

Ajax supporters have been barred from The Hague since 2006 after a violent incident involving Amsterdam hooligans at the ADO supporters' stand, which left eight people injured. The ban has remained in place for more than a decade.

ADO returned to the Eredivisie as champions of the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, reigniting the debate over fan attendance. Their promotion adds urgency to the ongoing discussions.

Mayor van Zanen said a decision could be reached quickly, noting that ADO has invested heavily in security measures. He recalled that the last time police entered the pitch was during a match against Excelsior in 2022, a step he does not take pride in but deemed necessary.

Van Zanen made the comments to De , stressing that the talks are primarily between ADO and Ajax. He added that the municipality is not directly deciding the matter.

A swift resolution will determine whether Ajax fans can travel to The Hague for the 6 March fixture, shaping the atmosphere of the upcoming Eredivisie clash.