AZ vs Ajax: Referee Dennis Higler Acknowledges Error in Private Conversation

Referee Dennis Higler admitted to making a mistake in the Eredivisie match between AZ and Ajax, specifically regarding Alexandre Penetra's red card. Higler revealed his error in a private conversation, citing VAR rules that prevent review of yellow card situations.

Referee Dennis Higler has acknowledged making a crucial error during the Eredivisie match between Ajax and AZ. The controversy surrounding the game centered on Higler's decision to give AZ defender Alexandre Penetra a second yellow card just two minutes after sending off Ajax defender Anton Gaaei with a straight red card.

The decision sparked outrage among the AZ players and coaching staff, prompting manager Maarten Martens and defender Wouter Goes to signal for the AZ players to walk off the pitch in protest. AZ captain Jordy Clasie expressed his frustration and anger in a post-match interview with ESPN. “Unbelievable, truly bizarre, seriously,” Clasie said, describing the situation. He also questioned Higler's performance throughout the match, stating, “I think he (Higler) was uncomfortable the whole match. I think he found it tough. If you said something to him normally, it was not allowed; maybe he was under high stress.”

AZ ultimately secured a 2-2 draw with Ajax, but the match was marred by controversy. Ernest Poku's goal was cancelled out by an Oliver Edvardsen equalizer just two minutes later, but the real talking point was the disputed sending-off of AZ defender Alexandre Penetra.

AZ captain Jordy Clasie revealed to ESPN that referee Dennis Higler had admitted to making a mistake by giving Penetra his second yellow card. Clasie expressed his dismay at the situation, saying, “It's bizarre. After this, he also said: I made a big mistake. It is really scandalous that a second yellow card is given for these things.” Clasie also questioned Higler's decision-making process, stating, “He can also just wait, but that doesn't buy you anything. We are very disappointed that it has to go this way.”

🚨 Referee Dennis Higler has admitted to making a mistake during the Eredivisie game between Ajax and AZ. pic.twitter.com/CnCQpN17MQ

— Sports News Recap (@sportsnewsrecap) March 16, 2025

Higler Admits Mistake in Private Conversation

Referee Dennis Higler initially agreed to explain his decision to ESPN but later declined the interview. However, in a private conversation with ESPN journalist Cristian Willaert, Higler acknowledged that he had made a mistake. Higler explained that while he recognized the error, intervention was not possible due to the rules stating that VAR cannot review yellow card situations.