Ajax and AZ Alkmaar will play again

Ajax AZ will be played without audience

The KNVB has decided that the discontinued Cup match between Ajax and AZ must be entirely replayed from the beginning (0-0). 

There will be no audience in the Arena.

The game was stopped last week when an Ajax supporter suddenly appeared on the field and attacked the AZ's  goalkeeper Esteban. 

After a couple of kicks, the keeper got a red card, then AZ coach took his players directly away from the field and refused to continue playing.

The game is now gonna be played on Thursday 19 January at 14.30. Three days later, on Sunday, January 22, the two teams will meet each other again.

AZ Alkmaar and Ajax will play the first game in the league since the winter break.

AZ keeper Esteban, whose red card one day after was canceled, may appear just to the kickoff. The KNVB has decided also to cancel the yellow cards from Eyong Enoh (Ajax) and Jozy Altidore (AZ).

"The best solution"

According to Bert van Oostveen, director of the KNVB, "This decision is the best solution. We could play from the moment that stoped - 37 minutes - and carry on with the 1- 0 and let Esteban keep his red card. So, we chose the best option, to start from the beginning".

10.000 euros fine

Ajax was proposed to pay to the KNVB Cup a fine of 10.000 euros fine and a game without an audience. The Amsterdam club has accepted the proposal.

Financial director Jeroen Slop says that Ajax has been severely punished. "We will play, but under protest. For our fans is of course very ironic. and we'll try to compensate the supporters in an appropriate way".

Source: nos.nl - (translated by me!)