Dark clouds have gathered over Amsterdam. Instead of focusing on preparations for the new season and plotting yet more trophies, Ajax fans are subjected to sad news. Still reeling from the news of their talented youngster Noah Gesser’s death, reports of a shooting in Amsterdam emerged on Monday night.Former Ajax footballer Jerge Hoefdraad has been shot in the head while trying to break up an argument at a party. Dutch outlet De Telegraaf report that Hoefdraad is in critical condition on Monday from the serious injuries that he sustained at a gathering on Sunday. They say that he was he was shot in the head at the event in Amsterdam, with police believing that he had tried to calm a quarrel between two parties.Ex-Ajax youth-player Jergé Hoefdraad (35) has been shot today and is fighting for his life in the hospital right now. Jergé played for the youth ranks of Ajax from 1996 until 2004, but never made it to the first team. Stay strong, Jergé! ❤️📰 – @televoetbal#Ajax pic.twitter.com/BJps00HBYH— All About Ajax (@AllAboutAjax) August 1, 2021 Despite being rushed to hospital and having urgent treatment, the condition of the former Ajax Academy player is critical.To make things even worse, police initially announced that Hoefdraad was already killed when in fact he was being rushed to the hospital for treatment. The 35-year-old footballer remains in emergency care.The shooting took place just days after the death of talented 16-year-old player Noah Gesser. He periled in a car crash in the Netherlands. Gesser was travelling with his 18-year-old brother when their vehicle collided with a taxi in Utrecht, Netherlands.Shocked Ajax family (©Gallo Images)Gesser was seen as a huge talent at Ajax and was recently promoted to the U17 squad. He signed for the club after leaving amateur side Alphense Boys in 2018.Ajax first-team players held a minute’s applause ahead of their friendly against RB Leipzig on Saturday as tributes and messages of condolence continue to pour in from the entire football world.Tragic news coming out of Holland of 16 year old Noah Gesser sadly passing away Thoughts are with his Family, friends and teammates at Ajax Rest in Peace 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/7HU9zJFRc1— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) July 30, 2021 We can only hope and prey that Hoefdraad pulls through and his life is saved.
