Ajax-AZ Game to be Replayed in Full after Attack on Keeper

After last week's Dutch Cup match between Ajax and AZ Alkmaar was suspended following an attack on AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado that resulted in Alvarado's ejection, the Dutch Soccer Association has announced that the match will be replayed in full behind closed doors in 3 weeks time. Apparently the decision to pick the match up where it left off wasn't plausible because AZ would have had to play with 10 men due to Alvardo's red card despite the fact that it was later rescinded. In light of that, I think this was the only way this incident could have been resolved. It's a tough break for Ajax who actually led the original match 1-0, but ultimately it's the right decision and it's good to see that the Dutch got this one right. The rematch will be played on January 19th with the winner set to play amateur club GVVV in the quarterfinals.

Photo Credit: cbc.ca/sports

AZ Alkmaar is currently in first place in the Dutch Eredivisie while Ajax Amsterdam sits five points back in 4th place. The two sides played to a 2-2 draw in Amsterdam back in mid-October with AZ squandering a 2-0 lead. American striker Jozy Alitdore is second on AZ with 5 goals this season.