BREAK OUT THE crisps and fizzy orange: Ajax have confirmed that their rescheduled KNVB Cup fixture against AZ Alkmaar will only be open to those under 13.
The original tie was abandoned on 21 December after Alkmaar ‘keeper, Esteban Alvarado, was sent off for retaliating against a pitch invader who attacked him from behind. Here’s that video again.
AZ coach, Gertjan Verbeek, called his team from the field after the decision and the KNVB ordered Ajax to replay the fixture, on 19 January, behind closed doors.
However, that stance has since softened slightly and now the crowd will be made up of children. Tickets will be available to them free of charge through clubs and primary schools. One adult per six children will be permitted to chaperone the crowd.
Incidentally, Alvarado had his red card rescinded and so could play in front of the little tykes. Let’s just hope he goes easy on them.
