A fire broke out at Ajax's stadium ahead of their Eredivisie clash against bitter rivals Feyenoord on Sunday afternoon.
The incident started when several flares were set off near the pitch for a pyrotechnic display. It's unclear whether this was planned by Ajax or the fans. Once these flares went out, an unplanned fire and thick smoke was visible from the bottom of the stand.
It appears one or several of the flares caught a banner, which fed the flames. The fire was extinguished but not before a significant amount of smoke filled the stand. It's unclear whether anyone injured by the worrying flames or dangerous smoke.
The game at the Amsterdam Arena later got underway. The fixture, known as De Klassieker, is one of the biggest events in Dutch football. It is not technically a derby, as Ajax are based in Amsterdam and Feyenoord are based in Rotterdam.
Ajax are widely regarded as the biggest club in the Netherlands. They've won a record 35 Eredivisie titles, a record 20 Dutch Cups and nine Dutch Super Cups. It's their success in Europe, however, that gives them such a status - winning four Champions Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups, the UEFA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup.
Feyenoord are arguably the country's second-biggest club, something PSV Eindhoven may contest. They were crowned Champions of Europe in 1970 and have won the UEFA Cup twice. They've also lifted 15 Eredivisie titles, 13 Dutch Cups and four Dutch Super Cups.
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Sunday afternoon's De Klassieker was particularly important, as there were just eight points separating leaders Ajax and Feyenoord in third heading into the game. Ajax are the defending champions, while Feyenoord have won just one league title this century.
Speaking ahead of the game, Ajax manager Erik ten Hag said: "I have been busy with Feyenoord. I know their principles and I can imagine what they are like. Yesterday I did not see much of their match, but I know how they play. They have no secrets for me.
"But now it's a totally different Feyenoord than in recent years. Feyenoord wants to dominate on the ball, they have an idea on the ball and exert high pressure with equally high intensity. That's a difference from previous years."
Ten Hag has been linked with the Manchester United job and is believed to be on a five-man shortlist that includes Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique, Julen Lopetegui and Thomas Tuchel. The Ajax boss is the current bookies' favourite.
Ajax suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Benfica on Tuesday, knocking them out of the Champions League. "I have spoken to many players individually over the past few days, but also in groups to gauge the mood, and how we can move forward," added Ten Hag.
"After all, we need to get back to positivity as soon as possible. We still have a lot to play for: the cup and the championships. There are still many finals and Sunday is one of them. The pressure is the same even after Tuesday: we have to become champions."
