Van Basten: "This doesn't help"

Monday 26 January 2009

Ajax fell further behind in the ranking after the team lost 1-0 in Groningen when AZ won their home game against De Graafschap on Saturday.

The gap has grown to six points between the leaders and the number 2.

"It doesn't help when they keep on winning and we're the only ones dropping points," Van Basten realized afterwards.

The Ajax coach thought the result wasn't fully justified though.

"I thought the first half the teams were equal, the only difference being that they scored and we didn't. After the beak we played well and created chances. I think in the end we should have won it, but you must score to achieve that."

Ajax didn't just lose three points yesterday.

Jan Vertonghen got a second yellow card in the 85th minute.

Marco van Basten thought the decision was harsh and stepped onto the pitch, hands raised in the air asking for an explanation.

He was sent to the stands.

"Jan only pointed out to the linesman that he took a wrong decision," Van Basten explained.

"He only asked why he took the decision and did not use any offensive language. That is not a reason to give the lad a second yellow. Last week away to NEC Cvitanich got an unjustified second yellow. Pothuizen (the player who was fouled by Cvitanich, DF) even admitted it. Of course I shouldn't go out onto the pitch. But what should I do? Just accept this injustice? So I get sent to the stands. I can understand that, although I think it's not a very creative solution. Vertonghen should have never got sent off."