Goalkeeper is attacked in Dutch Cup tie between Ajax and AZ Alkmaar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vJJRc1CN1U

There were incredible scenes at the Dutch cup tie last night between Ajax and AZ Alkmaar involving a violent clash between a player and a pitch-invading spectator.

Ajax were leading 1-0 after 38 minutes when the incident was sparked by an Ajax fan who came onto the pitch and ran at Alkmaar's Costa Rican goalkeeper Esteban.

The goalkeeper kicked the fan in retaliation after being kicked himself – but was given a red card for misconduct.

After Esteban was dismissed, Alkmaar's furious coach Gert Jan Verbeek ordered his team to leave the pitch.

Alkmaar's technical director Earnest Stewart said: "Verbeek ordered the team off the pitch to control the situation and, in the dressing room, our players said they didn't feel safe any more on the pitch."

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

Ajax coach Frank de Boer said: "I saw that Esteban was attacked and that he defended himself. I don't know how I would have reacted.

"I understand the decision of Alkmaar because of all the emotion at that moment."

Referee Bas Nijhuis defended his decision to show Esteban a red card.

Nijhuis said: "I understand that Esteban was defending himself, but he walked to the supporter and kicked him multiple times. He could also have walked away."

Alkmaar director Toon Gebrands inisted that the club would respect any decision taken by the disciplinary board of the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) but added that the safety of his players was at stake.