Prague police clash with Dutch fans trying to force entry into stadium

Prague police clashed with dozens of Ajax Amsterdam supporters on Thursday after the fans attempted to force their way into the stadium without tickets ahead of a sold-out Europa League match against Slavia Prague.

According to police spokesperson Kristýna Zelinková, officers had to use "coercive means" to control the situation outside the Vršovice district’s Eden stadium. Several Ajax fans were detained following the confrontation, police confirmed in a statement on social media.

"Several dozen supporters attempted to enter the stadium without tickets," the police said. "Heavy-duty officers intervened using coercive means, and several individuals were detained."

The match, a second-round Europa League fixture, kicked off at 6:45 p.m. local time.

Earlier in the day, Ajax fans had gathered in Prague’s Old Town Square before marching towards the stadium. Some supporters were found in possession of weapons, including knives, telescopic batons, baseball bats, and pepper spray, which were discarded before the procession. Police arrested one individual at the start of the march for a minor offense.

Escorted by officers, including those with dogs, hundreds of people traveled by metro to the Želivského station before walking to Eden stadium. Police, on horseback and accompanied by anti-conflict teams, oversaw the march.

Hundreds of officers were deployed across the city to maintain public order and ensure security around the stadium and in Central Prague.

The match itself, described by Dutch media as a "game of two halves," saw Ajax struggle to secure a 1-1 draw against a dominant Slavia Prague. Branco van den Boomen gave Ajax the lead in the 18th minute with a penalty, but Slavia equalized in the second half through substitute Tomáš Chorý in the 67th minute.

Despite Ajax's early dominance, Slavia came out stronger in the second half, pressuring the Dutch side until the final whistle. Dutch outlets also praised the atmosphere at the sold-out Eden, with Algemeen Dagblad highlighting the "fanatical Slavia fans who created an excellent backdrop" for the match.