Esteban red rescinded

The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has rescinded the red card AZ goalkeeper Esteban copped during Wednesday’s KNVB Beker clash with Ajax.

The Costa Rican was dismissed for lashing out at a supporter who had tried to attack him after entering the field of play 38 minutes into the game in Amsterdam.

The KNVB has now ruled, that while referee Bas Nijhuis had been within his rights to send the player off, there had been mitigating circumstances and the shot-stopper will serve no suspension.

“The goalkeeper was unexpectedly attacked,” a KNVB spokeswoman said on Thursday.

“He did not see his assailant arrive.”

“The prosecutor believes that such a reaction should have no disciplinary action. Therefore, the player shall not be suspended.”

However, no ruling has yet been forthcoming on whether the game should be replayed as the match had to be abandoned after AZ coach Gertjan Verbeek ordered his players off the field after Esteban’s dismissal.