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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Keifer MacDonald

'I am simply not used to this' - Ajax fans send perfect message to Liverpool after Anfield visit

Supporters of Ajax who travelled to Anfield for the Champions League encounter earlier this week, have hailed Liverpool and the local authorities for making their trip to Merseyside so "relaxed".

The Dutch champions, accompanied by thousands of their supporters, descended on Liverpool on Monday and Tuesday ahead of the Group A clash, where Jurgen Klopp's side were looking to bounce back from their disappointing showing in Naples earlier this month.

A last-gasp header from Joel Matip ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides, with the Cameroonian ensuring Mohammed Kudus' first-half equaliser would not be enough for the Dutch outfit to take a point away from their travels.

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However, despite falling to a late defeat, that didn't dampen the mood of the 2,600 or so Ajax supporters located in the Anfield Road end as they continued to sing, bounce and generally have a great time even after the full-time whistle.

And now following their return to Amsterdam, supporter-run website Ajaxlife has lauded Liverpool Football Club and the local authorities for making them feel so welcome before and after Tuesday night's fixture.

"No big police force or anything this time," read a first-hand account of Tuesday night. "At least not visible. A lot of stewards, but they almost formed a guard of honour. Everyone greeted me kindly. No straight faces. No tension. No stress. No fuss. Just enter with your ticket. It went smoothly...that deserves a big compliment.

"It was no different after the narrow, but justified 2-1 defeat. After being held briefly, the doors opened. We could go in any direction we wanted. No police escort. No blue flashing lights or intimidating robocops anywhere. Ajax [fans] could just go into the pubs around the stadium.

"On the way back to our rented house we saw Ajax supporters singing 'Three Little Birds' in a Liverpool pub. On a stage and with a microphone. They are happy scenes."

The blog concluded: "It's actually a shame it hit me so hard. I am simply not used to this relaxed state of affairs, while it should be normal. A day after the game we spoke to some police officers. They asked how we had all experienced it. They seemed happy with our response and indicated that this is exactly what they are hoping for. 'We think this works the best,' said the agent.

"Although everyone understands that this cannot be done everywhere, I think he is right."

Prior to match-day two in Group A, Liverpool's cross-city rivals Everton had allowed the Dutch side to use the Goodison Park ticket office as place to pick up their tickets for the clash. While Liverpool further extended their welcome to Ajax by allowing them train at the AXA Centre on Wednesday morning.

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