Special Red Card For Stekelenburg

Maarten Stekelenburg was sent off in yesterday’s friendly match against Australia after fouling Josh Kennedy. The red card was the first one for a goalkeeper in the history of the Oranje.

Maarten Stekelenburg, Ajax (foto ANP)
He won’t be very proud about it, but Stekelenburg’s red card for Holland against Australia yesterday was a special one. Never before was an Oranje goalkeeper sent off in an international match.

The red card won’t prevent him from playing in the qualifier against Macedonia on Wednesday. The suspension he’ll receive only counts for friendly matches.

The Ajax 'keeper acknowledged that the red card was deserved. “I tried my utmost to beat him [Kennedy] to the ball, but he was quicker and I touched him. Otherwise, it would have been a goal, too,” he explained.

“I was hoping to be lucky and receive only yellow, since it was just a friendly match. However, the red card was fully deserved according to the rules.”

Atletico defender John Heitinga didn’t hesitate to take the blame for the red card, “Of course I feel guilty, it was my fault that Maarten [Stekelenburg] had to leave the pitch,” he admitted.

Stefan Coerts

Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
Comments
 
Advertisement
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Foolish & spiteful Suarez lets Liverpool down again Foolish & spiteful Suarez lets Liverpool down again

    The Uruguayan striker snubbed the Manchester United defender before Saturday's clash, the first meeting of the players after the ex-Ajax star was banned for racist abuse

  2. The ‘Dutch Xavi’ Jordy Clasie – a Euro 2012 candidate The ‘Dutch Xavi’ Jordy Clasie – a Euro 2012 candidate

    The young midfielder has proved all his doubters wrong with a string of impressive performances and could be rewarded with a call-up for Oranje for Poland and Ukraine

  3. The factors that will decide the 2012 Afcon final The factors that will decide the 2012 Afcon final

    As the final two left standing in the Cup of Nations get ready to face each other in Libreville on Sunday night, Goal.com looks at the battles that might help determine the victor

  4. Henry caps EPL swansong on perfect day for Arsenal Henry caps EPL swansong on perfect day for Arsenal

    Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has left the door open for a return to the Emirates and it's no wonder because the French striker has galvanised the Emirates as AC Milan loom

  5. Should 'Vanishing Spray' be introduced globally? Should 'Vanishing Spray' be introduced globally?

    The spray, which has been designed to stop defensive walls from encroaching closer than 10 yards to the ball at free-kicks, is set to be discussed at next month's IFAB meeting

 
Advertisement
Advertisement