Warning shot fired as Ajax fans battle police

29 March 2004

AMSTERDAM — A police officer fired a warning shot and 12 arrests were made as a group of Ajax football fans caused unrest in the Alkmaar city centre on Sunday after their team’s 1-1 draw with AZ.

The hooligans committed small acts of vandalism and about 20 fans assaulted three plainclothes police officers, one of whom fired a warning shot in return. Police also used pepper spray to quell the situation.

The unrest took place on the Waagplein, where Ajax fans gathered at a café after the Premier Division soccer match. But the situation turned ugly and riot police were called in to protect police officers. Calm was restored to the area at about 6.30pm.

There was also a few incidents reported prior to and during the match as 20 Ajax fans were denied entry to the stadium. Five Ajax supporters were ejected from the stadium and arrested at half-time for disorderliness and vandalism.

Police also said about 60 Ajax supporters gathered in the centre of Alkmaar and a confrontation between plain-clothes policeman and fans developed in the afternoon. A total of seven fans were arrested on the Waagplein, bringing the total; number of arrests to 12.

Subject: Dutch news