During a recent Dutch Cup match between two of the top teams in the Netherlands, Ajax and AZ Alkmaar, a curious case of fan-player violence arose and has caused controversy.
In case you missed the incident, check out the full story and watch the video. It has the global soccer community baffled and up in arms.
Overview
In summary, a 19-year old fan ran onto the pitch during the game. The fan darted toward AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper, Esteban Alvarado. Turning around just in time to see the fan lunge at him, Alvarado and the fan both jumped up to kick each other. The drunk fan missed Alvarado and fell to the ground a few feet away from the initial contact.
Alvarado swiftly ran the few steps to where the fan fell to the ground and kicked him twice, once in the abdomen and once in the leg.
Much to the uproar of the Alkmaar players, referee Bas Nijhuis responded by issuing Alvarado a red card for the incident. The referee's decision to dismiss Alvarado has soccer fans and pundits scratching their heads, wondering why a player was sent off for defending himself.
Analysis
In examining whether Nijhuis made the correct decision, we have to put morals aside. What you or I would do in Alvarado's situation is irrelevant. We must view this incident through the lens of the rules of the sport, as stipulated by FIFA.
It is easiest to divide this conundrum into two pieces: before the fan is on the ground and after the fan is on the ground. As a player, Alvarado acted in self-defense when the fan lunged at him. He had the opportunity to defend himself and he did so successfully once the fan fell to the ground a few feet away from him. Just to reiterate, the fan is now face-down on the ground a couple of steps away from Alvarado. It is at this point that the goalkeeper has done his job.
However, instead of removing himself from the situation and allowing stadium security to take over the situation, Alvarado responds by running to the fan and kicking him twice. This decision, to essentially kick a subdued fan, is the reason he was sent off.
Watching the video, this was my impression. Kicking the fan was excessive and I agree with the decision to red card Alvarado. Following the game, Nijhuis reiterated this point, saying "I understand that Esteban was defending himself, but he walked to him (the supporter) and kicked him multiple times. He could also have walked away."
While many others believe the Alvarado was simply defending himself, I believe his actions were excessive. What do you think? Let us know by posting in the comments section below.
I'm sorry, but a red card in the situation is not the right move. The game should have continued, and then been reviewed in the league office afterwards. If they felt it was excessive, then they could have suspended him for the following game.
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