Ajax midfielder Mark Verkuijl, 19, was overcome with emotion as he paid tribute to his girlfriend Elisa, who died after a hit-and-run collision while jogging. The tragedy occurred days before Jong Ajax's match against RKC Waalwijk.
During the match, Verkuijl, sidelined with a hamstring injury, held up an Ajax shirt bearing Elisa's name as supporters applauded in the 21st minute. His teammates wore black armbands and observed a minute's silence in her memory.
The alleged driver was reportedly tracked down and apprehended by police later that evening after fleeing the scene. Elisa later succumbed to her injuries in hospital.
Jong Ajax cancelled training in the days following the incident, with club officials visiting Verkuijl to offer condolences. Coach Willem Weijs admitted his players were reluctant to play, stating: "Our primary thoughts weren't on this game."
The KNVB explained that matches are generally only postponed in the event of a player or staff member's death, acknowledging the difficulty of such decisions in profound tragedies.
