Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 4:57 PM• Mart Oude Nijeweeme • Last update: 17:06

Sjaak Swart is very disappointed that he cannot be present in the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Sunday at the Ajax championship match. The team from Amsterdam needs one point against FC Emmen to win the 35th national title, but the cabinet decided this week not to allow supporters to attend matches in the Eredivisie. And so Swart will also have to watch the game of his club from the living room, much to his annoyance.

After the success of last weekend, clubs were hopeful to welcome fans to the stadiums again this weekend. However, the cabinet did not agree and so it will be empty again on Saturday and Sunday in the stands. “I have the pee”, Swart tells NOS. “I have been there all the years since I was ten. Everyone also says:” You should be there. Supporters call me to ask if I am there. No, it’s a pity. Last week it was fantastic. It gives a certain atmosphere. Also in the past: they shouted ‘Charlie, Charlie’. For those people you have to do it. They want to see something. “

Swart is also disappointed that he does not know who, besides Erik ten Hag, he will see again in the Johan Cruijff ArenA after the summer. Ten Hag extended his contract for a year on Friday and will also bear responsibility for Ajax next season. “You never know who will leave”, Swart continues. “You have to be lucky that you have a team where you can fit new players in again. Young players get opportunities. Edwin van der Sar and Marc Overmars are doing very well. And the trainer too. You can say what you want, but he just does it well. ”

It is difficult for Swart to watch the duel with Emmen from his own living room. The former attacker managed to win the national title eight times as a player with Ajax. “Mister Liverpool and Mister Manchester United are just sitting in the stands in England. But Mister Ajax is not”, Swart expresses his dissatisfaction. Swart says he has made every effort to be present at the championship match. “I sent him (Marc Overmars, ed.) A message yesterday that I would like to sit next to him and that I thought I belonged as Mister Ajax. Overmars also tries to help,” Swart concludes.