The young midfielder paid tribute to his late girlfriend ahead of Jong Ajax’s match against RKC Waalwijck, which the Dutch club did not want to see go ahead following the tragedy
Ajax youngster Mark Verkuijl could not hold back his tears as he paid tribute to his girlfriend, who was killed in a hit-and-run collision. The 19-year-old’s partner, Elisa, had been out jogging when she was hit by a car.
She later died from her injuries in hospital, devastating Verkuijl and his team-mates. The alleged driver reportedly fled the scene but was tracked down by police at her home later that evening and apprehended.
Verkuijl paid an emotional tribute to his late partner before a Jong Ajax game, the club’s reserves. The teenager is currently suffering from a hamstring injury, but joined his team-mates
The midfielder, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, joined his team-mates before kick-off against RKC Waalwijk to pay tribute to Elisa. He held up an Ajax shirt emblazoned with her name as he struggled to contain his tears in difficult scenes.
Jong Ajax wore black armbands and took a moment of silence before their game in honour of the tragic passing. Verkuijl was spotted in the stands holding the shirt aloft when supporters erupted into applause in the 21st minute.
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The reserve team were unable to train in the days following Elisa’s death, as the club allowed their squad some time to process the tragedy. Verkuijl was visited by Ajax’s director of football affairs Marijn Beuker, players and staff members, who offered their condolences.
The club wanted to reschedule their Keuken Kampioen Divisie match but were forced to play four days following the tragedy. Jong Ajax coach Willem Weijs said that his players preferred not to play.
“Our primary thoughts weren’t on this game,” he told ESPN on Monday. “But it became clear to us very quickly that this game had to be played. To be honest, I didn’t feel that need. And I had the feeling that a lot of players didn’t either.”
The KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) said: “In situations like this, it’s an extremely difficult decision whether matches should go ahead or not.
“We have a policy in place where matches are generally only postponed in the event of the death of a player or staff member. This does not alter the fact that this remains a difficult decision and does not diminish the seriousness of what has happened. This is a very profound and sad event.”
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