Ajax players walk on to pitch with their mums to celebrate Mother's Day

Dutch team make gesture ahead of Eredivisie match

(AJAX/TWITTER)

The 40,000 fans inside the Amsterdam ArenA may have thought the mascots looked a bit older than usual ahead of Ajax's match with Cambuur.

That's because the players walked out on to the pitch ahead of their Eredivisie match accompanied by their mothers rather than the youngsters that traditionally join them.

It was Ajax's way of celebrating Mother's Day which was recognised in the Netherlands today.

Whilst the players of the Netherlands' most successful side could have been forgiven for looking a little embarrassed, they appeared to relish the opportunity. And they ensured they made their mums proud by winning 3-0.

Definitely a much better way of saying 'I love you' than a bunch of hastily bought petrol forecourt flowers.