Suspended Ajax-AZ match to be replayed without spectators

The suspended Dutch Cup match between Ajax and AZ will be played all over again on Jan. 19, 2012, without spectators, the professional football board of the Dutch football association KNVB said Wednesday. In addition, the prosecutor of the KNVB offered Ajax a settlement proposal of a 10,000 Euros fine and one match without spectators on probation. The prosecutor believes that Ajax has not made all-out effort to prevent the pitch invader from entering the field. Financial director Jeroen Slop of Ajax was disappointed by the punishment for his club. "We believe that Ajax is severely punished," he said. "Legally, we have limited resources to do something about it. Therefore, we accept the settlement and the decision of the board, under protest," he added. The encounter between Ajax and AZ in Amsterdam last Wednesday was suspended after an Ajax fan attacked AZ goalkeeper Esteban in the back. The incident occurred in the 37th minute and Ajax led 1-0. Referee Bas Nijhuis gave the AZ goalkeeper, according to the rules, a red card for kicking the fan. Then, AZ decided not to continue and the match was suspended. The Dutch football association has already decided to remit the red card of Esteban. And AZ was not punished for refusing to play on.