De Boer sympathises with under-fire ´keeper

Ajax coach Frank de Boer said he understood AZ goalkeeper Esteban’s reaction after being attacked by a fan during Wednesday’s KNVB Beker match.

A supporter entered the pitch after 38 minutes of play at the Amsterdam Arena and ran towards Esteban before aiming a kick at the Costa Rican.

The 22-year-old reacted by bringing his attacker down and kicking him twice while he lay on the pitch, before on-rushing stewards intervened and took the invading fan away.

Esteban was subsequently shown a straight red card for misconduct by referee Bas Nijhuis, but de Boer defended the goalkeeper’s actions.

“I saw that Esteban was attacked and that he defended himself,” de Boer told Eredivisie Live after the game was abandoned.

“I don’t know how I would have reacted but I can definitely understand Esteban’s reaction.”

The sending off prompted AZ coach Gertjan Verbeek to order his men off the field, which eventually led to the match being called off, and de Boer admitted he sympathised with his opponents.

“I also understand the decision of AZ to walk off because of all the emotion at that moment.”

The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) have opened an investigation into Wednesday’s events and is expected to decide on the matter on December 28.