Foto: BB.LV / В хорватском Сплите полиция задержала 18 болельщиков нидерландского клуба, у которых, по сообщениям местных СМИ, обнаружили холодное оружие.
At the same time, there were reports of attacks on visiting fans by local ultras. Ajax warned its supporters of the danger and urged them to exercise caution. The incident occurred in the Croatian city of Split, where Ajax is scheduled to play an away match against local Hajduk in the UEFA Conference League. As [reported](https://nos.nl/artikel/2634907-achttien-ajax-supporters-opgepakt-in-kroatie-hadden-wapens-bij-zich) by the Dutch broadcaster NOS, citing Croatian media, the police detained 18 fans of the Amsterdam team. According to local journalists, cold weapons were allegedly found with the detainees. Stone blocks were also present on the terrace tables.  _Photo: Dalmatinski_ ## Police Decided to Act Preemptively As NH Nieuws reported, citing Croatian publications, the detentions were preventive in nature. Law enforcement aimed to prevent a possible clash between Ajax fans and radical supporters of Hajduk. Local authorities fear that the confrontation between the two fan groups could escalate into mass riots. At this time, it is not reported whether formal charges have been brought against the detainees and what specific weapons were found with them. ## Ajax Fans Await After Taxi Rides Simultaneously with the reports of detentions, there were reports of attacks on Dutch fans. The Ajax supporters' association stated that some club fans were attacked by Hajduk supporters. The Amsterdam club also confirmed that it received several reports from fans who encountered intimidation and physical aggression in Split. There was particular concern about the possible involvement of local taxi drivers in locating visiting fans. According to reports received by the club, some drivers allegedly provided information to representatives of the radical Hajduk fan group about transporting Ajax supporters. After that, the visitors could be ambushed at drop-off locations. In some cases, the club claims that fans had their luggage checked for items bearing the Amsterdam team's symbols. There is currently no independent confirmation of these reports. ## "Be Cautious About Your Own Safety" Ajax management reported that the police have been informed about possible attacks. To ensure the safety of visiting fans, the presence of law enforcement has been increased at the airport and in the city itself. However, the club urged its supporters to remain vigilant. "Continue to pay close attention to your own safety," the Ajax statement said. Even before the trip, the club warned fans about potential risks in Split. The statement noted that Hajduk supporters are known for their fanatical support of the team and may react aggressively to people with Ajax symbols or recognizable groups of Dutch fans. In this regard, fans were advised to exercise caution and avoid situations that could provoke a conflict. ## The Match Will Take Place Amid Heightened Security Measures Despite the tense situation, the cancellation of the football match has not been announced. The match between Hajduk and Ajax in the Conference League is set to begin at 18:45 local time. Police are expected to continue enhanced patrolling of the city to prevent clashes between fans. Thus, even before the game began, attention was focused not so much on the sporting confrontation as on the safety of those who came to support their teams. The detention of 18 people, reports of cold weapons, and alleged attacks on visiting fans have once again raised the question of how far football rivalry can go beyond the stadium.
