AFC Ajax v Celtic FC. Amsterdam Arena Thursday 17 September 2015, Kick Off 1900hrs (local time) About AFC Ajax

Transcription

1 AFC Ajax v Celtic FC Amsterdam Arena Thursday 17 September 2015, Kick Off 1900hrs (local time) About AFC Ajax AFC Ajax is a Dutch professional football club based in Amsterdam. Historically, Ajax (named after the legendary Greek hero) is the most successful club in the Netherlands, with 33 Eredivisie titles and 18 KNVB Cups. It has continuously played in the Eredivisie the Dutch football top division, since its inception in 1956 and, along with PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord, it is one of the country's "big three" clubs that have dominated that competition. Ajax was founded in Amsterdam on 18 March The club achieved promotion to the highest level of Dutch football in 1911 and had its first major success in 1917, winning the KNVB Beker, the Netherlands' national cup. The following season, Ajax became national champions for the first time. The club defended its title in , becoming the only team to achieve an unbeaten season in the Netherlands Football League Championship. The Stadium Name: Amsterdam Arena Capacity: 53,502 Address: Arena Boulevard 1 Amsterdam 1100 DL

2 Tickets and Stadium Access/Egress At this time Celtic have received 2600 tickets for fans wishing to attend this match. Celtic Ticket Services are responsible for the distribution of away tickets. Please only attend this match if you have received your tickets from the Club. There will be no tickets for visiting fans on sale at the stadium on matchday. Parking for visiting coaches is located nearby. Visiting fans can expect an initial ticket inspection prior to the entry gate. All spectators can be expected to be searched prior to entering the stadium. Please give sufficient time. Turnstiles will open at 5pm so please go to Stadium early Spectator Safety Whilst in Amsterdam, fans must carry photographic ID at all times Banners and flags positively supporting the team will be welcome. The stadium regulations are similar to those at Celtic Park. Again we stress the dangers surrounding fireworks and pyrotechnics which are considered a serious safety issue. The discharge of such items not only creates a hazard to spectators but will expose Celtic FC to disciplinary action by UEFA. Anyone found in possession of these items will be detained by the police. Celtic fans will be asked to remain in the stadium for approximately 20 minutes after the final whistle. No alcohol is permitted in the stadium and smoking is prohibited. Please follow the advice of police and stewards.

3 On Tuesday, September 8 Celtic Officials met with representatives of AFC Ajax, City of Amsterdam Mayor s Office, Amsterdam Police and Police Scotland. Everyone in attendance was in full agreement that the forthcoming match should be a positive experience for Celtic Supporters and the City wish to extend a warm welcome. Police have advised that an extra emphasis will be placed on providing increased security and protection for fans during their stay. Amsterdam Police have advised that Dam Square is the preferred area for Celtic Fans to congregate on the day of the match. In an effort to provide increased protection it is planned that fencing will be used and there will be controlled access to ensure the area is occupied by Celtic Supporters only. Police have further advised that the sale and consumption of alcohol will be controlled around the Square and supporters should follow the guidance of Police at all times. To assist with language issues there will be a presence of Celtic Travel Stewards within the Square as well as a presence from Police Scotland. All efforts will be made to ensure that Police and Fans work together in a spirit of cooperation. The aim is to ensure that everyone enjoys the day in safety. Discussions are continuing with regard to Celtic Fans departing the Square for the Stadium, it is hoped that a dedicated Metro train can be provided which will take fans directly to the Stadium. On arrival fans would receive an escort from the station to the Stadium: We await conformation of this from Amsterdam Police and will update as soon as we have more details. Walkway from Metro Station to Stadium

4 On arrival at the Stadium fans will be required to pass through two ticket cordons. Ticket Cordon 1 Ticket Cordon 2 Fans will be held here for a short period until turnstiles area clears

5 Access Control Entry Points Once inside Celtic Fans will occupy the Upper Corner Section of the Stadium. Drums and Banners will be permitted. All banners will be subject to approval and will be checked prior to entry. Only banners promoting positive support of Celtic will be permitted. It is requested that fans do not bring or attempt to display banners in support of other Clubs. Banners with political messages will not be permitted. Fans will be permitted to attend the Stadium early in the day to set up their banners if they wish.

6 Other Useful Information Do not hang banners from pubs, hotels or anywhere they can be snatched Banners in support of other Dutch FC s will cause problems, please refrain from displaying Fans are advised if making their way from the City to the Stadium to use the Metro Alcohol consumption in public places will be controlled and limited by Police Fans with tickets for home sections will be denied access Celtic Travel Stewards will be present in the City Centre and at the Ticket Cordons and Stadium entry point. They are there to assist Celtic fans. Banners will be checked prior to admission to the Stadium Smoking is not permitted within the Stadium Fans who are considered by Stewards to have consumed excess alcohol will not be admitted British Consul British Consulate-General Amsterdam, Koningslaan 44, 1075 AE Amsterdam Telephone: Hour Global Response for lost passports etc. Irish Embassy Embassy of Ireland Scheveningseweg AE The Hague The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0) PLEASE TRAVEL SAFELY AND ENJOY THE MATCH