FC Groningen will play Ajax behind closed doors after a fireworks incident. The match between Ajax and FC Groningen was initially halted after five minutes. Referee Bas Nijhuis sent both teams to the dressing rooms after supporters of Ajax's hardcore fan group set off a lot of fireworks. They were commemorating a deceased fan. Earlier this month, a home match between Ajax and sc Heerenveen was also interrupted because fans of Ajax's F-Side set off a lot of fireworks. They were also commemorating a deceased fan. The supporters' association distances itself from the mass fireworks. 'Supporters' association Ajax regrets that a group of supporters is the cause of the cancellation of this match,' the association states on its website. Financial director Shashi Baboeram Panday has apologized on behalf of Ajax to everyone who has been affected by the definitive cancellation of the match against FC Groningen. The cancelled match between Ajax and FC Groningen will be played on Tuesday at 14:30 without an audience in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The club from Amsterdam reports that the match will be played without an audience due to safety risks. FC Groningen's players and staff are naturally disappointed with the course of events, but understand the decision of the club and the authorities. The safety of the players and the audience comes first. The match will therefore be played without an audience, but the club hopes that FC Groningen's fans will support the players online. The club will broadcast the match live via social media and the website, so that fans can follow the match.