Fans do not understand it: 'They are putting the worst referee on Ajax v PSV...'

Sander van der Eijk will take charge of Saturday evening's top clash between Ajax and PSV. The KNVB announced on Monday that the referee has been appointed for the first major showdown of the 2026/27 Eredivisie season, but that choice has immediately caused surprise among a large section of football supporters.

Ajax and PSV meet on Saturday at 8.00pm at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. It is the first top match of the 2026/27 VriendenLoterij Eredivisie season and both sides can send an early statement with a good result.

In Amsterdam, Van der Eijk will be assisted by assistant referees Rens Bluemink and Sander de Groot. Richard Martens will serve as fourth official, while Pol van Boekel has been appointed as VAR and Dyon Fikkert as AVAR.

PSV go into the match in second place in the Eredivisie, while Ajax currently sit fourth. The Amsterdam side have played one game fewer, though, and can draw level on points with the Eindhoven side with a win.

Not everyone on social media has met Van der Eijk's appointment with understanding. One Ajax supporter reacted tellingly: "They thought: shall we appoint the worst referee in the Eredivisie?"

At Ajax Showtime, there is also surprise over the KNVB's choice. "Huh, a top match and then Sander van der Eijk, laughable," wrote a supporter under the report on the refereeing appointment.

On X, the criticism has also been sharp. "Van der Eijk for Ajax-PSV, what a joke," someone said. Daniël added: "Is this serious, what a scandalous choice by the association. A very, very, very mediocre referee. Top referees should be doing top matches, it’s not a playground."