Amsterdam – Scenes described as “extremely dangerous” unfolded on a Dutch highway Sunday as supporters of AFC Ajax disrupted traffic to greet their team’s bus en route to De Klassieker, the highly anticipated derby match against Feyenoord. The incident, which occurred on the A4 motorway connecting Amsterdam and Rotterdam, involved dozens of fans setting off flares and waving flags, causing significant congestion.
The disruption took place as the Ajax team was traveling to Rotterdam for the 2:30 PM CET (8:30 AM EST) clash against their arch-rivals. Footage circulating on social media, reportedly published by supporter groups F-Side and AFCA, shows fans running onto the highway, halting traffic and surrounding the team bus. The bus was reportedly forced to navigate around the crowd to continue its journey.
According to Dutch news outlet NU.nl, the team bus sustained minor damage during the incident. A police spokesperson told NU.nl, “We understand they want to support their club, but it is extremely dangerous. Fortunately, everything ended well.”
The rivalry between Ajax and Feyenoord, known as De Klassieker, is one of the oldest and most fiercely contested in Dutch football, dating back to 1921. This Sunday’s match marks the 206th competitive meeting between the two clubs. Historically, Ajax has been the more successful of the two, with 36 Eredivisie titles to Feyenoord’s 16, but Feyenoord claimed the league title in 2023, adding fuel to the already intense rivalry.
The incident on the A4 motorway is reminiscent of a similar event in France in 2017, where rapper Fianso blocked the A3 highway to film a music video. Though, in this case, the motivation was purely to demonstrate support for their football club. The Dutch police are currently working to identify the individuals involved, as many supporters had their faces covered, according to NU.nl. Those identified could face legal repercussions.
AFC Ajax, formally known as Amsterdamsche Football Club Ajax, was founded on March 18, 1900, and plays its home matches at the Johan Cruyff Arena, which has a capacity of 55,865. The club is currently coached by Óscar Garcia (interim) and sits second in the Eredivisie table as of March 22, 2026.
This isn’t the first time passionate Ajax supporters have made headlines for their displays of support. The club boasts a dedicated fanbase known for its elaborate tifo displays and unwavering loyalty. However, this latest incident raises serious concerns about safety and the potential for escalation. The police spokesperson’s statement underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that while fan support is appreciated, it must not come at the expense of public safety.
De Klassieker is more than just a football match in the Netherlands; it’s a cultural event that divides the nation. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for the Eredivisie title race, with both Ajax and Feyenoord vying for the championship. The atmosphere at De Kuip, Feyenoord’s home stadium in Rotterdam, is expected to be electric, and the players will undoubtedly feel the weight of expectation from their respective supporters.
Following Sunday’s match against Feyenoord, Ajax will return to Amsterdam to prepare for their next Eredivisie fixture against Heerenveen on April 5th. The club will also be looking ahead to their potential participation in European competitions next season, depending on their league finish. Fans can find the latest updates and information on the official Ajax website: https://english.ajax.nl/.
The incident on the A4 serves as a stark reminder of the passion and intensity that surround football, and the lengths to which some fans will go to support their team. However, it also highlights the importance of responsible behavior and the demand to prioritize safety in all sporting events.
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