Ex-Arsenal chief Mislintat axed by Ajax after match abandoned on day of chaos

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Ajax have confirmed that they have parted company with Sven Mislintat (Image: Getty Images)
Ajax have confirmed that they have parted company with Sven Mislintat (Image: Getty Images)

Ajax have confirmed that they have terminated the contract of director of football Sven Mislintat due to a "lack of broad support" across the club.

The former Arsenal transfer chief only officially started working with the Dutch giants back in May but his role had come under scrutiny in recent weeks. Mirror Football revealed earlier this weekend that he was being investigated by Ajax and VfB Stuttgart over the deal that saw defender Borna Sosa join the Eredivisie outfit on deadline day.

It was confirmed on Sunday night that Mislintat would no longer continue in his role. However, the club stressed that the decision was "unrelated" to any other factors, instead outlining that Mislintat had paid the price for losing the support of the club hierarchy.

Interim CEO Jan van Halst said: "Several attempts to restore broad support have not led to the desired outcome. This leads to unrest in and around the club, also due to the disappointing results. Sven has put in tremendous effort for Ajax in recent months, for which we are grateful. It is now in Ajax's best interest to move on with joined forces and find its way back to sporting success."

Confirmation of Mislintat's exit comes just hours after Ajax's match with Feyenoord was abandoned in the wake of fan disorder. Supporters were less than impressed when the hosts found themselves 3-0 down after just 37 minutes and the match was stopped on two separate occasions after fireworks were thrown onto the pitch.

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The game was eventually abandoned 10 minutes after half-time, with Ajax fans then vandalising the stadium. A statement from the club released shortly after the shocking scenes condemned the actions of their supporters.

The statement read: "Ajax's management and supervisory board distance themselves from the misconduct that led to the suspension of the match against Feyenoord and the disturbances afterwards.

"Disappointment about the season's poor start is understandable but can never be the cause of disorderly conduct. We apologise to everyone who has felt unsafe or has been affected in any other way."

Ajax have endured a difficult start to the new Eredivisie campaign after winning just one of their opening four league matches prior to De Klassieker. The Dutch giants finished third last season and missed out on Champions League qualification after losing the services of Erik ten Hag to Manchester United.

Santiago Gimenez scored twice for Feyenoord, with Igor Paixao adding a third for the reigning Dutch champions before the match was abandoned.

Dan Marsh

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