The replay of the Dutch Cup fixture between Ajax Amsterdam and AZ Alkmaar on 19 January will have only children and their supervisors as spectators, Ajax confirmed on Tuesday.

The match was abandoned on 21 December shortly before half-time after a fan – identified under Dutch privacy conventions only as Wesley van W. - invaded the pitch and attacked Alkmaar goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado.

The man tried to kick Esteban from behind and the keeper retaliated by kicking the man twice. The referee gave Esteban a red card for misconduct, which was later rescinded.

AZ's coach called the team off the pitch in protest and the game had to be abandoned. Ajax were winning 1-0 when the match was halted.

No women
Initially, the Dutch football federation (KNVB) ordered Ajax to replay the game in an empty stadium. The club then appealed to the KNVB to allow women and children to attend, but the ruling body decided that only 12-year-olds and under would be permitted in view of Dutch equality legislation.

"It has also been decided that access will be given only to children….to underline the educational nature of the match," it added.

Tickets will be free for clubs and primary schools. One adult supervisor will be admitted to look after every six children.

A court sentenced Wesley van W. to six months in prison on 29 December and ordered the man to report to police during all Ajax, Alkmaar and Dutch national team matches for the next two years.

(jn/imm/tt/nc)

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