The last-16 match at the Amsterdam Arena on December 21st was halted after a fan ran onto the pitch and attacked visiting goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado. AZ's Costa Rica keeper Alvarado was sent off for kicking the supporter after he had launched a karate-style kick at him from behind. Coach Gert Jan Verbeek ordered the visitors to leave the pitch after the incident and the match was abandoned in the 36th minute with Ajax leading 1-0. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) released a statement on Wednesday saying it "would be unreasonable" to resume the match in the 37th minute because AZ would have to play with 10 men due to Alvarado's red card. The match will therefore be replayed in full on January 19th, with the winner poised to face amateur side GVVV in the quarter-finals.
