Kieft criticises Kehrer after Midtjylland equaliser against Ajax

Wim Kieft and Ronald de Boer criticised Thilo Kehrer after the Ajax defender went to ground in the build-up to FC Midtjylland’s first-half equaliser in their Conference League meeting. Ajax had been on course to take a 1-0 advantage into the interval before Friday Etim levelled for the Danish side.

Etim was sent through after almost half an hour and made contact with Kehrer before continuing towards goal. The Nigerian forward went around Marc ter Stegen and finished, prompting strong protests from Ajax. Referee Pawel Raczkowski consulted VAR Pawel Pskit, but the goal was allowed to stand.

De Boer felt Kehrer had attempted to block the striker but misjudged the situation. Reviewing the incident, he argued that the defender also used his hand and then fell after realising he was too late. Although De Boer acknowledged that a foul may also have been accepted, he ultimately described the defending as poor.

Kieft delivered an even stronger verdict. Voetbalzone quoted the analyst as calling Kehrer’s decision “not only stupid, but also very irresponsible,” adding that a player in that position should assess the danger better. Midtjylland were subsequently reduced to ten men shortly before half-time when central midfielder Kjell Wätjen received a second yellow card for a foul on Abdellah Ouazane.