AZ Alkmaar were playing at Ajax in the Dutch Cup
Esteban Alvarado dismissed after kicking the supporter twice
His Alkmaar team-mates walked off the pitch in protest at his red card
'He could have walked away', said referee
It was a farce that would lead to a goalkeeper given a red card, a team red with anger... and the Dutch FA red-faced after reversing the ref's decision.
The trouble began when a drunk hooligan ran on to the field to attack AZ Alkmaar's No.1 during the first half of their Cup match with former European champions Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena last night.
To everyone's surprise, Costa Rican goalie Esteban Alvarado then launched a kung fu kick at the teenage thug, sending him crashing to the floor - and landed a few more kicks before security guards dragged the invader away.
And when referee Bas Nijhuis red-carded the goalkeeper, Alkmaar coach Gertjan Verbeek ordered his side to walk off in protest.
Now, however, the red card has been rescinded by the Dutch FA (KNVB).
Scroll down for video...
Kung fu fighting: AZ Alkmaar's goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado spots an Ajax fan charging at him just in time
Attacked turned attacker: Alvarado turns the tables on the hooligan by kicking him on the ground
A statement read: 'The keeper was attacked unexpectedly and therefore the prosecutor judged that his mood caused his response against his attacker.'
At the time, Nijhuis said: 'I understand that Esteban was defending himself, but he walked to him (the supporter) and kicked him multiple times. He could also have walked away.'
Ajax were leading the round-of-16 match 1-0 after a goal by Gregory van der Wiel when the incident happened 36 minutes in. Attempts to convince Alkmaar to continue were fruitless.
Alkmaar club director Toon Gerbrands said his players 'didn't feel safe any more in this situation'.
http://bcove.me/vaob1wuw
Esteban Alvarado dismissed after kicking the supporter twice
His Alkmaar team-mates walked off the pitch in protest at his red card
'He could have walked away', said referee
It was a farce that would lead to a goalkeeper given a red card, a team red with anger... and the Dutch FA red-faced after reversing the ref's decision.
The trouble began when a drunk hooligan ran on to the field to attack AZ Alkmaar's No.1 during the first half of their Cup match with former European champions Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena last night.
To everyone's surprise, Costa Rican goalie Esteban Alvarado then launched a kung fu kick at the teenage thug, sending him crashing to the floor - and landed a few more kicks before security guards dragged the invader away.
And when referee Bas Nijhuis red-carded the goalkeeper, Alkmaar coach Gertjan Verbeek ordered his side to walk off in protest.
Now, however, the red card has been rescinded by the Dutch FA (KNVB).
Scroll down for video...
Kung fu fighting: AZ Alkmaar's goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado spots an Ajax fan charging at him just in time
Attacked turned attacker: Alvarado turns the tables on the hooligan by kicking him on the ground
A statement read: 'The keeper was attacked unexpectedly and therefore the prosecutor judged that his mood caused his response against his attacker.'
At the time, Nijhuis said: 'I understand that Esteban was defending himself, but he walked to him (the supporter) and kicked him multiple times. He could also have walked away.'
Ajax were leading the round-of-16 match 1-0 after a goal by Gregory van der Wiel when the incident happened 36 minutes in. Attempts to convince Alkmaar to continue were fruitless.
Alkmaar club director Toon Gerbrands said his players 'didn't feel safe any more in this situation'.
http://bcove.me/vaob1wuw