Ajax general manager Edwin van der Sar has told of his support of the measures taken to try to combat the spread of coronavirus as Eredivisie matches for March were cancelled.
Former Manchester United keeper Van Der Sar spoke after the Dutch government announced on Thursday that all events for 100 people or more must be axed because of the virus. These restrictions are effective until March 31 and it means that all of the Sons of Gods games are cancelled this month.
So, league leaders Ajax will not be play FC Twente at home tomorrow (Sunday) and will not travel to face Feyenoord after that ether. Updates on the stance are expected as next week unfolds.
Understandably, Van der Sar is backing the measures and says he isn’t too surprised that they have come about. He told the club’s official website:
“We received an update from the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association) on Friday, and it seemed at the time that everything would proceed as usual. But after Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s announcement, everything became clear.”
Van der Sar says he is keen for the Amsterdam giants to play their part in helping to contain the spread of the virus and agrees with the measures that have been put in place. He added:
“I think that we all need to do what it takes to limit this as much as possible. We are in this together. The information comes from the medical community, so we all need to do our part to follow the directives given.
“We’re going to restrict our activities. Both at the office and on the field. The club’s 120th anniversary is soon, and we had planned an event for that. This has been cancelled. We’re also looking at our business activities, tournaments and travelling staff. We need to find a good solution for everyone.”
The move comes after the news on March 6 that Ajax told assistant coach Christian Poulsen and two other members of their training staff to stay clear of the club because of fears they might have coronavirus. At the time, a spokesman said:
“They have no symptoms and if it stays that way they will return to work next week.”
At this time, it remains unclear how the patients are coping. Of course, now that there is a mini shut-down, they can take more time out to make sure that they are fit and well and able to return to the club once the ban is lifted by the government.
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