The professional football prosecutor has imposed a fine of 15,000 euros on Ajax for the offensive and much-discussed banner prior to the competition match against PSV. Of the amount, 7,500 euros is conditional, with a probationary period of two years. In addition to the hurtful canvas, fireworks were also set off by the supporters of the Amsterdam club.
The canvas depicted two PSV players with an eggshell on their heads, referring to the cartoon character Calimero. On their shirts the words ‘Brainfart Aidshoven’ could be read instead of the usual ‘Brainport Eindhoven’. The text in particular caused a storm of criticism immediately after the game. Edwin van der Sar, general manager of the team from Amsterdam, already apologized to colleague Toon Gerbrands during the duel with the Eindhoven team. Ajax approved a first variant of the banner in consultation with the atmosphere team, but the final version turned out to be different.
Van der Sar did not have a good word for the final design of the atmosphere team and, through a spokesperson for the club, indicated that the confidence with the supporters has been badly damaged. “This has broken the trust on the basis of which we work with the atmosphere team,” was the response of the Amsterdammers. “It goes without saying that we will discuss this with them, also to prevent this from happening again in any subsequent cases.”
Erik ten Hag also said during the press conference that he ‘does not like insulting texts’. “We should not want incitement to this kind of action. I keep far from it. I don’t look at it in a good way.” Ten Hag also noted that ‘we were able to see in Nijmegen what that could possibly lead to’, referring to the banners for the match between NEC and Vitesse (0-1), on which the text ‘Pure Haat’ was combined. The fireworks from the fans who traveled with them have now resulted in a fine of 7,500 euros, of which 3,750 is conditional.
Related
More sports news