A Dutch football match ended in farce after one of the teams walked off the pitch in protest at having their goalkeeper sent off - for fighting with a fan. An Ajax supporter ran on to the field and tried to attack the goalkeeper of visiting AZ Alkmaar in a Dutch cup match on Wednesday, leading to the game being suspended after just 36 minutes.The fan, identified by Ajax as a 19-year-old who had been drinking, approached Alkmaar's Esteban Alvarado from behind, but the Costa Rican keeper saw the supporter in time and skilfully tripped him. Alvarado then kicked him twice before stewards dragged the intruder off the pitch.
Rferee Bas Nijhuis astonished the away side, however, by red-carding the goalkeeper. Alkmaar coach Gertjan Verbeek then ordered his side to walk off in protest.



Dutch Football Association director Bert van Oostveen said his organisation was considering the incident, but is not certain whether or not the game will be replayed.
Ajax coach Frank de Boer, a renowned former defender for the Netherlands' national team, said of Alvarado's reaction: 'Maybe I would have done the same thing, maybe not. But emotionally I do understand it.'