- Davy Klaassen was sent off after being shown a straight red card by the referee
- But Ajax’s opponents agreed for him to continue in a move rarely seen before
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! New formation, some new faces, but the optimism has gone at Old Trafford
Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen was sent off during a match before incredibly being allowed to play on by his side’s opponents.
Klaassen, who endured a miserable spell at Everton between 2017 and 2018, was shown a straight red card during a friendly with Ajax trailing 2-1.
But in a show of sportsmanship, Stuttgart agreed for the 31-year-old to continue.
It is thought that both managers agreed it was more beneficial to continue playing with 11 players apiece before their respective returns to action this season.
Indeed, Ajax boss Francesco Farioli and Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness were spotted talking after Klaassen was handed his marching orders.
In scenes rarely seen before, Klaassen was then permitted to take back to the field.
Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen was sent off in a match before being allowed to play on
Klaassen was given a straight red card for a lunge during a friendly against Stuttgart
He spent a miserable season on loan at Everton between 2017 and 2018 before moving on
He was dismissed after a lunge on an opponent in the 56th minute and tensions briefly boiled over before the referee reached for his back pocket.
But with both teams working on their fitness and tactical routines during the winter break, Stuttgart agreed that playing with a man advantage would not be beneficial.
The friendly ended 2-2 after Ajax striker Chuba Akpom equalised in the 85th minute.
Klaassen, an experienced international for the Netherlands, is in his third stint with Ajax, having also begun his career on the books at the Eredivisie giants.
The midfielder spent one season at Everton after joining in a £16million switch but played just 16 games before rapidly falling out of contention.
Ronald Koeman was fired in October 2017 and Klaassen, who admitted he struggled with the league’s style of play, was sidelined by both Sam Allardyce and Marco Silva.
Klaassen rejoined Ajax in 2020 and spent three years at the club before moving on to Inter Milan. He returned home after just one campaign in Italy, though.
Ajax are currently second in the Dutch top-flight, behind leaders PSV Eindhoven, and return to league action on Saturday against rock bottom RKC Waalwijk.
He has made 15 appearances to date this season, scoring six goals.
