The Netherlands Football Association has ruled that last week’s abandoned Dutch Cup tie between Ajax and AZ Alkmaar will be replayed in full without spectators on Thursday 19 January.

AZ will be allowed to field eleven players even though goalie Esteban recieved a straight red card during last week's match. Esteban was sent off after he twice kicked an Ajax 'supporter' who had ran out onto the pitch and attacked him. After the red card was shown, AZ manager Gertjan Verbeek ordered his players off the field.

The winner of the repeat match between Ajax and AZ will face Veenendaal club GVVV from the highest amateur league in the quarter finals.

After the ruling was announced, KNVB Director Bert van Oostveen said:

"We immediately ruled out confirming the 1-0 score as definitive. Finishing the match was not an option. AZ would have to continue with ten players after the red card shown to Esteban; we believe that would be unfair."

Mr Oostveen lashed out at the supporter whose attack interrupted the match: “Naturally you’re hoping for an interesting match. And then after 37 minutes one idiot ruins everything. This is bad for the image of football and a sour ending of the year”

The KNVB official argued for stricter legislation to crack down on such abuse. “Let’s learn from the British approach. Strong legislation has ensured hooligans can no longer enter stadiums.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the KNVB proposed a settlement which would include one conditional home game without spectators for Ajax and a fine of 10,000 euros with a two-year probationary period. No sanctions would have been imposed on the Alkmaar club.

Ajax has until 2 January to appeal against the ruling.

The KNVB said the sanctions on Ajax were imposed because the club had not done everything in its power to prevent the ‘supporter’ from entering the pitch.

(gsh/tt/mw)

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide