Strict Liability for Supporter Misconduct in Dutch Football: The KNVB Fireworks Sanction Against Ajax - By Hasan Enes ISIKDOGAN

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Introduction

On 30 November 2025, during the match between AFC Ajax and FC Groningen, a flare display was organized at the beginning of the game to commemorate a member of the Ajax supporters’ group F-Side who had passed away. However, this tribute quickly spiraled out of control. A group of supporters began setting off large amounts of fireworks in the stands and throwing them onto the pitch, causing the match to be suspended within the opening minutes.^{^[2]}

The incident, largely originating from the F-Side section, escalated rapidly as incendiary materials reached the field, covering the stadium in smoke and raising serious safety concerns. As a result, the match was interrupted for more than half an hour. When fireworks were thrown again later, the game was...

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