Dutch cup match abandoned after fan attacks Alkmaar keeper.. [View all]

The last 16 Dutch Cup tie between Ajax Amsterdam and AZ Alkmaar was abandoned on Wednesday after Alkmaar’s goalkeeper Esteban was sent off for kicking a fan who had run on to the pitch.

Costa Rican Esteban appeared to retaliate against the fan after being kicked himself.

After he was dismissed Alkmaar coach Gert Jan Verbeek ordered his team to leave the pitch and the match was called off with Ajax leading 1-0.

“Verbeek ordered the team off the pitch to control the situation and in the dressing room our players said that they don’t feel safe anymore on the pitch,” said Alkmaar’s technical director Earnest Stewart.

Ajax official Jeroep Slop said that the police arrested a 19-year-old man.

http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=reu-dutchcup

Wild stuff. I don't understand....Why was Esteban red carded for defending himself after being attacked? Don't know that I agree with the Alkmaar coach taking his team off the pitch either, but then I don't know much about Dutch football..