Hajduk Split Apologise After Fireworks Interrupt Ajax Conference League Match
Hajduk Split have apologised to Ajax and UEFA after fireworks lit up the stands and forced a temporary stoppage during Thursday’s 2-1 Conference League win over the Dutch side. The disruption came in the 75th minute, when Hajduk supporters marked the 75th anniversary of the club’s hardcore fan group by setting off fireworks in large numbers.
The display filled part of the stadium with smoke, making it difficult to see the pitch and prompting the referee to pause the match. Hajduk later said the incident was not something the club wanted to be remembered for in European football, while accepting responsibility despite its preparations and efforts to follow UEFA regulations.
Hajduk take responsibility for disruption
Hajduk coach Gonzalo García apologised to Ajax and UEFA during his post-match press conference. The club followed with a statement on its official channels, expressing regret to Ajax’s coaching staff and players, as well as to the governing body.
“We want to apologise to UEFA and Ajax’s coaching staff and players, who witnessed events for which we do not want to be remembered in Europe,” the club said.
Hajduk added that it had taken the steps required under UEFA rules but acknowledged that the situation in the stands was still unacceptable. The statement stressed the club’s intention to take responsibility, rather than distance itself from the actions that interrupted the contest.
The apology may help communicate the club’s position, but UEFA could still review the incident under its disciplinary procedures. Possible consequences in cases involving fireworks can vary, depending on the circumstances, the level of disruption and any previous disciplinary record. No specific sanction was confirmed in the information released after the match.
Fireworks mark supporters’ anniversary
The display was linked to the 75th anniversary of Hajduk’s hardcore supporters. The celebration took place during the game, with fireworks set off across the stands in the 75th minute to match the milestone. Although the gesture was intended as a show of loyalty and identity, the resulting smoke disrupted play and briefly took attention away from the football.
Supporter culture is an important part of the atmosphere at many European grounds, and Hajduk Split are known for the passion of their fan base. Yet clubs and supporters must balance tradition with safety and competition rules. Fireworks can create visibility problems, delay a match and expose spectators, players and staff to potential risks—especially when they are used in a crowded stadium.
For Hajduk, the episode also came during a high-profile European fixture, when the club was representing Croatian football in front of an international audience. The team’s apology reflects the reputational stakes: a memorable performance on the pitch can quickly be overshadowed when an incident in the stands interrupts the match.
Ajax respond after going behind twice
The stoppage was one of several dramatic moments in a match that saw Ajax recover from an early setback before conceding again just after equalising. Hajduk took the lead in the 37th minute, when Abdoulie Sanyang finished a well-worked attacking move to put the hosts ahead.
Ajax improved after the interval and found a way back into the contest through Davy Klaassen. The midfielder met a cross from Thilo Kehrer and finished confidently to make it 1-1, giving the visitors renewed momentum.
That momentum lasted only two minutes. A misplaced pass from Jofre Torrents gave Hajduk an opportunity to attack, and Marin Soticek took advantage to restore the Croatian side’s lead. Hajduk held on to win 2-1, securing a significant result in the Conference League while leaving Ajax to reflect on a costly mistake.
The quick response after Ajax’s equaliser underlined how narrow the margins can be in European competition. A team can spend much of a half building pressure, only to lose control through one misplaced pass or a brief lapse in defensive organisation. For Ajax, the match offered both a positive sign in their improved second-half play and a reminder that possession must be matched by concentration in transition.
What the result means for the teams
Hajduk will take confidence from beating a well-known opponent and from the attacking quality shown in the opening goal and the move that led to Soticek’s winner. Their challenge now is to build on the result while ensuring that attention returns to performances on the pitch rather than incidents in the stands.
Ajax, meanwhile, will need to assess how they can turn periods of improved play into a more controlled performance. Klaassen’s goal showed their ability to create danger from wide service, but the rapid concession that followed proved decisive. In a competition where away results and goal difference can shape qualification prospects, defensive discipline is often as important as attacking fluency.
Any prediction about how the teams will fare in their next matches should account for more than this result alone. Form, injuries, tactical adjustments and the quality of upcoming opponents all matter. Hajduk’s victory provides a boost, but maintaining consistency will be the real test; Ajax will be looking for a response and greater composure after a frustrating night in Split.
For now, the match will be remembered for both its football and its interruption. Hajduk earned a 2-1 victory through decisive attacking moments, but the fireworks created an unwelcome pause and prompted a public apology. The club’s next steps—and any response from UEFA—will determine whether the incident remains a brief controversy or becomes a longer-running issue.
