Ajax manager Erik ten Hag defends fans from political criticism | OneFootball

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has hit out at the political pressure being exerted on football fans in the Netherlands.

Supporters are being allowed into Eredivise games, with just over 12,000 in attendance at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Saturday to see Ajax beat Vitesse 2-1.

However, the Dutch Minister of Medical Care, Tamara van Ark, had warned fans that games may be played behind closed doors after recent violations of social distancing rules at and around stadiums.

But ten Hag believes that football needs fans at games, and that the vast majority of supporters have been acting responsibly in the difficult circumstances.

“Most matches are going very well. I thought our fans were now also quite disciplined,” ten Hag said, per De Telegraaf.

“Without an audience, you kill our industry.”

The 50-year-old also called on politicians to take responsibility for their own actions.

Tilburg city council had given Willem II fans permission to party for last Thursday’s Europa League 4-0 defeat to Rangers, only to suffer a backlash after the event.

Referencing the furore surrounding those scenes, ten Hag said: “When I see that the government in Tilburg gives permission to watch such a duel on a square with many fans, I think ‘put your hand in your own bosom’.”

Ajax are top of the table on goal difference from Heerenveen, with both sides winning their opening three league games.