Small fires force postponement of Groningen-Ajax match in Dutch league

The Dutch league match between FC Groningen and Ajax was postponed Sunday after small fires broke out in a stand before kickoff, causing fans to scramble over glass barriers onto the pitch to escape the flames and smoke.

"Club doctors decided it would be irresponsible to play," Groningen coach Ron Jans told fans over the stadium's public address system. "The chance is too great that they would suffer breathing problems."

Ajax coach Adrie Koster said playing would have been "medically irresponsible."

Rolls of toilet paper thrown onto the pitch caught fire in the southern stand of Groningen's …