Ajax shares given a kicking

SHARES in Ajax tumbled 20pc after a dramatic semi-final comeback by Tottenham Hotspur sent the Dutch football giants crashing out of the Champions League.

Ajax, which is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange, looked to be cruising to the final of club football’s biggest competition in Europe after taking a 2-0 lead into half-time of the tie’s second leg on Wednesday night – giving them a 3-0 advantage on aggregate. But a secondhalf hat-trick by Lucas Moura sent Spurs through on away goals.

Ajax shares, which had risen by more than 60pc since early March when the defeat of Real Madrid sent them into the quarter finals, fell 20pc during trading yesterday.

Investors had been hoping for big rewards from an Ajax victory, including sponsorships, prize money and the rising value of their players.

Ajax shareholders are not the only ones to be burnt in this season’s Champions League, however.

Shares in Italian giant Juventus fell 18pc last month when they were beaten by Ajax in the quarter final.