Ajax have melted down their Dutch title trophy to share the success with fans, who missed out on their league title success during the pandemic.

The Dutch champions claimed a 35th Eredivisie title in early May and have decided to reward their supporters by melting down the trophy into 42,000 silver stars.

The stars will be given to season ticket holders at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Our success is your success.#XXXV pic.twitter.com/2l6bVtt0Pv

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 12, 2021

Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar said: "This season, we have largely had to play without our fans - well, without them sitting in the stands, at least.

"Despite this, we have felt their support every week on the way to the stadium, on social media and in our personal contacts.

"Previously, when we said 'this title is for you', we were expressing how we were doing it for the fans. However, sharing the trophy is the ultimate proof that we really are."

Each star weighs 3.45 grams, 0.06 of which has come from the trophy but the Dutch FA has given Ajax a second trophy to put in their cabinet in place of the one they've melted down.

Ajax captain Dusan Tadic added: "Playing in an empty stadium doesn't compare with an atmospheric Johan Cruyff Arena.

"We have really missed our supporters over the past season here in Amsterdam and during all our matches.

"We therefore want to dedicate this title to our fans and can't wait to play in front of them again."

The Dutch Football Association has given Ajax a second trophy as an exception due to the pandemic.

This season, Ajax played 30 of its 34 matches in the Eredivisie in an empty stadium.