Reports that an Ajax fan who tumbled into the 16-foot moat separating the Amsterdam Arena field from the stands during the Dutch club’s 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Barcelona on Tuesday has died are untrue, according to the Amsterdam police force.
The fan, who reportedly fell before Ajax's second goal against the Spanish giants on Tuesday night, was seated in the front of the hardcore F-side section behind the goal at Amsterdam Arena. After he fell, two ambulances tended to him, then collided on their way out. Police refuted claims that the fan passed away on Tuesday night.
“No update available yet about victim #arena during #ajabar,” the Amsterdam police force wrote on Twitter. “Rumors that victim passed consequently not correct!”
Several Dutch media outlets reported that the fan suffered serious head trauma after the fall. Medical staff from two ambulances and a local helicopter arrived and rushed the fan to a nearby hospital.
The moat has been controversial and calls to fill it up frequent. Former Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, now of the Schalke 04 and the Dutch national team, tweeted: “Ban those moats!”
Afschaffen die grachten! #Arena #AJAbar
— Klaas Jan Huntelaar (@KJ_Huntelaar) November 26, 2013
FOX Soccer's Leander Schaerlaeckens contributed to this report.
