In a clear reference to brutal police surveillance at the Champions League final and other stadiums across Europe, one Ajax fan praised their treatment at Anfield.
It is often the case that traveling fans are treated with contempt at European games, and that was no more the case than in Paris on May 28.
The events at the Stade de France have been well documented and should remain at the forefront of the fan experience debate, with Liverpool and Real Madrid supporters abhorrently mistreated by police and locals alike.
But it’s also worth detailing the positive experiences fans are enjoying as they head into high-profile matchups across the continent.
That was certainly the case for Ajax fan Floris Roos, editor of Ajax Life, after the 2-1 loss to Liverpool on Tuesday night, as he believes “Anfield showed how it can be done”.
“Every Ajax fan who loves to travel has experience of entering foreign stadiums. Now we know that this does not always work out,” Roos wrote.
“How different that experience was in Liverpool. Around Anfield, the authorities showed how it can be done.”
Roos noted how fans of both clubs “walked together” around the stadium before kick-off, and Ajax supporters “were even able to welcome our own team bus”.
“There is no big police force or anything like that this time. At least not visible. Lots of delegates, but they were almost an honor guard,” he continued.
“Everyone greeted me kindly. No serious faces. No tension. Without stress. No problem. Just enter with your ticket. All went well. That deserves a big compliment.”
After the defeat, which came via a Joel Matip header, Ajax supporters were allowed to leave the stadium after a short routine delay, and Roos was surprised that “we could go in any direction we wanted.” “.
“No police escort. No flashing blue lights or intimidating robocops anywhere,” she added. “Ajax fans could just go to the pubs around the stadium.”
Do Ajax players give an encore in the Anfield pub? #ajax #livaja #UCL pic.twitter.com/KIqIJMlkkh
— Ajax Life (@ajaxlife) September 13, 2022
Roos watched “happy scenes” inside The Albert pub outside Anfield as Ajax fans sang “Three Little Birds” on stage.
He wrote that “it’s actually a shame it hit me so hard” as he and other Ajax supporters “are simply not used to this relaxed state of affairs”, detailing a conversation with a police officer who told him “we think that this works in the best way”. better’.”
It’s a short but shocking testament to how clubs and authorities can approach big European games, and it’s certainly a welcome one too.
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