Ajax and visitors Heracles did not kick the ball in the first minute of their Dutch Eredivisie meeting on Saturday, as players protested against racism.

The Dutch league leaders kicked off, but both sets of players then remained stationary and applauded for the next 60 seconds, with match officials and supporters joining in.

Clubs across the country's top two divisions agreed to the measure after Excelsior player Ahmad Mendes Moreira was subjected to racist abuse by Den Bosch supporters during last Sunday's Eerste Divisie -- Dutch second flight -- match.

Excelsior got the protests underway on Friday night at the start of their game against Volendam.

Following the incident, Netherlands internationals Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum expressed their shock at the situation.

Liverpool midfielder Wijnaldum appeared to send an anti-racism message when celebrating with international teammate Frenkie de Jong when he scored for Netherlands against Estonia.