Amsterdam  - All football games between Ajax and Feyenoord will be played without supporters of the visiting club for the next five years, Dutch media reported on Thursday.

The Amsterdam and Rotterdam mayors, the management of both football clubs and the national football association KNVB made the decision Wednesday night after a number of violent incidents had taken place last week.

The KNVB said the ban will be evaluated after two years, and could theoretically be shortened then.

Matches between Amsterdam-based Ajax and Rotterdam-based Feyenoord, traditionally known as the "classic duel", are notorious for their many incidents involving violence and vandalism.

To prevent excessive problems, supporters are transported to and from the stadiums in separate trains accompanied by police.

On Sunday when Ajax beat Feyenoord with 2-0, a prominent police presence could not prevent new violent clashes between the supporters of both teams as well as with the police and tens of supporters were arrested.

Feyenoord fans are among many Dutch football supporters known for chanting anti-Semitic slogans to the Ajax team and supporters. Repeated attempts by Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen to stop the anti-Semitic chants have so far failed.

In 2005, the mayors, clubs and the KNVB had agreed a five-year ban for visiting supporters would be imposed if the incidents, including the anti-Semitic chants, would persist.

Ajax spokesman Miel Brinkhuis said the club "regrets the fact incidents took place. We should respect this decision, but Ajax is glad the ban can be evaluated after two years."

Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb said he was "sorry" the decision affects the real football lovers, but emphasized it was necessary to act against the incidents.

Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen said there was no other choice but to impose a ban.

After having watched video footage of Sunday's incidents, he said, he and his colleague from Rotterdam both agreed it was "unbelievable" what had taken place. (dpa)