Dutch cup match abandoned after fan attacks Alkmaar keeper..

[Upton]

The last 16 Dutch Cup tie between Ajax Amsterdam and AZ Alkmaar was abandoned on Wednesday after Alkmaar’s goalkeeper Esteban was sent off for kicking a fan who had run on to the pitch.

Costa Rican Esteban appeared to retaliate against the fan after being kicked himself.

After he was dismissed Alkmaar coach Gert Jan Verbeek ordered his team to leave the pitch and the match was called off with Ajax leading 1-0.

“Verbeek ordered the team off the pitch to control the situation and in the dressing room our players said that they don’t feel safe anymore on the pitch,” said Alkmaar’s technical director Earnest Stewart.

Ajax official Jeroep Slop said that the police arrested a 19-year-old man.

http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=reu-dutchcup

Wild stuff. I don't understand....Why was Esteban red carded for defending himself after being attacked? Don't know that I agree with the Alkmaar coach taking his team off the pitch either, but then I don't know much about Dutch football..

[MrCoffee]

1. The Dutch FA has rescinded the red card against the keeper

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/feedarticle/10008098


I would applaud the coach for getting his team out of there. If stadium security can't ensure the safety of the players, they can't play the game.

I don't think the goalie was retaliating. When I see that video, it looks like the invader is still trying to kick the GK even as he's lying on the ground. He keeps pointing and shouting at the GK as security is getting him off the field.