Ajax Melt Their Eredivisie Trophy To Share 42,000 'Champion Stars' With Fans In Remarkable Gesture

Ajax have melted their Eredivisie down to 42000 silver stars - which they will gift season-ticket holders in a remarkable show of respect.

The Dutch giants have played 30 of their 34 games this season in an empty Johann Cruyff ArenA due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But the club took to social media on Wednesday to share a message which read: "Piece of victory, piece of history, piece of Ajax... Literally. For you."

The video attached features director of football Marc Overmars carrying the trophy to be melted down to the 'champion stars.'

Captain Dusan Tadic features in the video giving a nod of approval as does 18-year-old Ryan Gravenberch.

Academy graduate Gravenberch opens his hand out to show the stars in his hand.

The video ends with Overmars walking the streets of Amsterdam with two briefcases, full of stars, in his hand.

Fans have reacted to the gesture and they've commended Ajax for once again showing how it's done.

Club director Edwin van der Sar discussed the gesture and explained how they've felt fan support 'every week' despite stands being empty.

He said per Ajax.nl: "This season, we have largely had to play without our fans. Well, without them sitting in the stands, at least. Despite this, we have felt their support every week. On the way to the stadium, on social media and in our personal contacts.

"Previously, when we said 'this title is for you', we were expressing how we were doing it for the fans however sharing the trophy is the ultimate proof that we really are.' After a turbulent year, we are ensuring our fans feel part of our championship."

Tadic added: "Playing in an empty stadium doesn't compare with an atmospheric Johan Cruyff ArenA. We have really missed our supporters over the past season here in Amsterdam and during all our matches.

"We therefore want to dedicate this title to our fans and can't wait to play in front of them again."