More than 2,000 Ajax fans could descend on Leyton Orient’s game in the EFL Trophy next month – after UEFA banned them from watching their side’s game against Chelsea .
League Two club Orient have said they will talk with Ajax over how to facilitate the influx of so many fans for the game against Brighton under-21s at their 9,271-capacity Brisbane Road stadium.
If the plans go ahead the extra gate money will no doubt be a huge boost to Orient, who won returned to the Football League after winning the Conference title last season.
Chelsea host Dutch champions Ajax in the Champions League on November 5 – the same night Orient entertain Brighton U21s in the EFL Trophy.
However, Ajax were banned from selling tickets to the fixture after crowd trouble in their game against Valencia at the Mestalla last month.
(Image: PA)
The ban comes after Ajax were handed a suspended sentence for a similar disturbance during their Champions League clash against Benfica last season.
But by the the ban was imposed, thousands of fans had already booked travel and accommodation ready for the Chelsea game.
So one fan got in touch with Orient on Twitter , saying: “Dear @leytonorientfc. Are you willing to host 2.000 Ajax fans? We are systematicly and unlawfully screwed by @UEFA and @metpoliceuk. Lots of us booked transport and hotels allready ans will travel. You might risk a great atmosphere and memories forever.”
It led to Orient responding with a statement saying: “We’re aware of the interest from AFC Ajax supporters in attending the Leasing.com Trophy match against Brighton and Hove Albion U21s on November 5 at the Breyer Group Stadium.
“We will be entering in communication with AFC Ajax in how best to facilitate this.”
However, not all Ajax fans were taking the idea seriously, with one one posting on Twitter that fans who had already sorted their travel arrangements would simply find a pub in which to watch Ajax instead.
