Ajax match called off as fan attacks AZ Alkmaar keeper
A Dutch Cup tie between Amsterdam giants Ajax and AZ Alkmaar was dramatically halted mid-match on Wednesday after a fan ran on to the pitch and tried to assault AZ's goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado.
A Dutch Cup tie between Amsterdam giants Ajax and AZ Alkmaar was dramatically halted mid-match on Wednesday after a fan ran on to the pitch and tried to assault AZ's goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado.
The incident, which looks set to cause a headache for the Dutch football federation (KNVB), led to the Costa Rican 'keeper being red-carded by the referee after he twice kicked at the fan, who was then escorted off the pitch by police.
The expulsion infuriated AZ coach Gertjan Verbeek, who led his players off the pitch complaining about the lack of security at the ground. The match was subsequently called off.
Ajax had been leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from full back Gregory van der Wiel when the match was called off in the 37th minute.
No decision has yet been announced whether the match will be replayed.