Anti-football won: Ajax coach on Champions League loss

The Hague (Netherlands), Dec 12 (IANS) “Anti-football won,” Ajax coach Frank de Boer told the Dutch media Thursday after his team was eliminated from the Champions League football following a 0-0 draw with AC Milan Wednesday.

Ajax, who needed a win at San Siro to reach the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League, started well with a Christian Poulsen header hitting the post, reports Xinhua.

After Riccardo Montolivo received a red card for a tackle on Poulsen the home team was reduced to ten men, but Ajax was not able to profit and break the defensive block of Milan.

“It was like theater,” Frank de Boer said. “The UEFA often talks about respect in football, but Milan did not behave like that. Milan did anything to stretch time, they stretched twenty minutes I think, but referee Howard Webb only added five minutes of extra time. Even the ball boys wasted time, because they never had a ball in their hands. It’s a shame. Anti-football won.”

According to de Boer Webb should have given another red card for a foul by Mario Balotelli on Daley Blind in the second half. “That was obvious,” said De Boer. “At that time, Webb lets it slip through his fingers. These fouls were just so obvious.”

“We had opportunities, but you also need luck. After the red card Milan came to play in their strength and could lean backwards. I am not disappointed, but it is not a major blow. We have had the upper hand twice against Milan. That’s positive.”

Due to the results Ajax finished third in Group H, one point behind AC Milan. The Dutch will now continue in the Europa League, while group winners FC Barcelona and Milan go through to last 16.