Thaindian News

The Hague, Dec 24 (IANS) Parents of the hooligan who disrupted the Dutch Cup match between Ajax and AZ Alkmaar midweek are in hiding for fear of reprisals by hardcore Ajax fans.

The encounter between Ajax and AZ in Amsterdam was abandoned Wednesday after an Ajax fan attacked AZ goalkeeper Esteban in the back and the goalkeeper was sent off for kicking the supporter, reports Xinhua quoting Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

The incident occurred 37 minutes into the game, when Ajax led 1-0. Referee Bas Nijhuis gave the AZ goalkeeper a red card, according to the rules. After the incident, AZ decided not to continue and the match was suspended.

The attacker was not supposed to be in the Amsterdam Arena, because he already had a stadium ban. Ajax had imposed this punishment because he had acted violently against a stadium steward after a quarrel with a liquor salesman. However, Wednesday he had borrowed a club card from someone else.

The nineteen-year-old attacker, who was arrested after the assault, still lives at home with his parents in Almere.

“Due to his action, we now have 35,000 people chasing us,” his worried mother was quoted saying by De Telegraaf.

Reports on internet showed some hardcore fans wanted the offender to pay for his action.

His lawyer stated in the Dutch TV show Nieuwsuur that his client called his act “stupid” and that he wanted to apologise to Esteban.

AZ Goalkeeper Esteban reacted to the incident in Costa Rican newspaper Al Dia. “If I see that guy and he apologises, I will accept it. It would be nice if he asked for forgiveness,” he said.

The goalkeeper lodged a complaint with the police after the game. “It was horrible.” Esteban added. “I apologise for the young people who follow me and see me as a hero, because this was not a good example. But I had to defend myself.”

Ajax also filed a complaint against the attacker, for “trespassing”. The club also called for stricter compliance with the so-called ‘football law’.

The Dutch football association KNVB Thursday announced to cancel the red card of Esteban. After having received declarations from both clubs and referees, the KNVB will decide on what to do with the match.

There are three options, according to the KNVB. The match will be replayed entirely, the game will restart in 37th minute, or the 1-0 score in the 37th will be counted as an end result.